Monday 19 June 2017

 

PORTUGAL FOREST FIRE  

Many victims of the Portugal wildfires were burned to death in their cars, it is feared
GETTY IMAGES
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Victims burn to death in their cars 
escaping blaze ‘sparked by lightning’
Horrifying new pictures emerging from the area 
reveal how vehicles were burnt in the middle of the road
DEVASTATING wildfires in Portugal have left at least 61 dead 
with many victims burning to death inside their cars.
Four children were among the killed as it was revealed that motors 
were engulfed by flames on roads running through forest areas in 
temperatures of around 40C.
The fast-spreading flames quickly engulfed cars on roads overcome by the flames
GETTY IMAGES
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The fast-spreading flames quickly engulfed cars on roads 
overcome by the flames
At least four of those killed are believed to be children
REUTERS
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At least four of those killed are believed to be children
The death toll has risen to 61, as firefighters battle to end the blazes, which have been fuelled by hot weather
GETTY IMAGES
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The death toll has risen to 61, as firefighters battle to end the 
blazes, which have been fuelled by hot weather
The blaze was caused by a lightning strike during a dry thunderstorm
EPA
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The blaze was caused by a lightning strike during a dry thunderstorm
Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise
EPA
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Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise
A fearless firefighter douses a burning car with water
EPA
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A fearless firefighter douses a burning car with water
The death toll from the fires, centred around villages in the municipality of Pedrogao Grande, was expected to rise as firefighters and rescue teams reached areas cut off by the flames.
Police blamed the deadly blaze on a lightning strike during a dry thunderstorm, where searing hot temperatures evaporate rain water before it hits the ground.
Forest fire specialist Xavier Viegas described the fire, which also left around 60 people injured including four “badly hurt” firefighters, as one of the most serious in the world in recent years.
The university professor blamed its rapid spread on the drought and the area’s complicated terrain.
He said: “With the repercussion it’s having in Portugal and abroad, I think it’s one of the largest and most serious fires we’ve seen in the last few years in Europe, if not in the world.”
A devastated woman is pictured amid the chaos of the fire which has claimed the lives of dozens of people
EPA
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A devastated woman is pictured amid the chaos of the fire
 which has claimed the lives of dozens of people
Four brave firefighters were ‘badly hurt’ while battling the ferocious blaze
REUTERS
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Four brave firefighters were ‘badly hurt’ while battling the ferocious blaze
A plane passes by thick clouds of smoke after picking up water to put out the forest fires
REUTERS
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A plane passes by thick clouds of smoke after picking up water to put out the forest fires
Fire and smoke look over a town as the blaze continued to spread on Sunday amid soaring temperatures
REUTERS
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Fire and smoke look over a town as the blaze continued to spread on Sunday amid soaring temperatures
Fireman risk their lives to contain the deadly forest inferno
AP:ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Fireman risk their lives to contain the deadly forest inferno

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