By Senhan Bolelli
MADRID (AA) – A forest fire on Saturday has claimed 39 lives in Portugal, according to Jorge Gomes, the secretary of state for internal affairs.
The fire broke out in the Pedrogao Grande area, a municipality about 150 kilometers (93 miles) northeast of capital Lisbon.
The death toll rose from 25 to 39, Gomes told Portuguese news agency Lusa in a statement Sunday.
Gomes also said 18 of the 59 injured have been taken to the hospital. Five, including four firefighters, are in critical condition.
Portuguese media reported that several people were killed in their cars.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa said,“It is the biggest tragedy of human life that we have known in years”.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the fire that is rapidly spreading to homes in the area, due to high temperatures and wind.
