Forest fires kill dozens in Portugal

(Vatican Radio) Raging forest fires in central Portugal have killed at least 62 people, many of them trapped in their cars as flames swept over a road.

Portugal has declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the blaze.

A lightning strike is believed to have sparked the fire in the Pedrogao Grande area 150 kilometers northeast of Lisbon.

The prime minister Antonio Costa today called the fires ``the biggest tragedy'' the country has experienced in years.

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