Portugal devastated by forest fire

A devastating forest fire in Portugal has claimed at least 62 lives, including four children Most died while trying to flee the Pedrógão Grande area, 50 km south-east of Coimbra, in their cars, according to the government. 30 bodies were found inside cars, with another 17 next to the vehicles, on one road leading on to the IC8 motorway.

Another 11 died in a village next to the motorway

Prime Minister Antonio Costa described that the death toll is expected to rise.

Mr Costa tweeted his "deepest regret for the victims... and a word of encouragement and strength for all who help combat this scourge".

Pedrogao Grande mayor Valdemar Alves said he was "completely stunned by the number of deaths"

The flowing expanse of hills situated between Pedrogao Grande, Figueiro do Vinhos to the west and Castanheira de Pera to the north, which 24 hours before had glowed bright green with eucalyptus plants and pine trees, were completely gutted by the flames.
A thick layer of white smoke hovered over either side of a national motorway for a distance of about 20 kilometres (12 miles), as blackened trees leaned listlessly over charred soil