1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Several people killed by fallen tree in Madeira

August 15, 2017

Portuguese authorities have reported 13 fatalities after a huge tree fell during a popular religious festival on the island of Madeira. The Festival of Nossa Senhora do Monte draws thousands of visitors.

Rescue workers at the scene where the tree fell
Image: Imago/Global Images/Aspress/R. Silva

The Portuguese government raised the death toll to 13 on Tuesday evening with 49 people injured after a huge, 200-year-old oak tree fell on to people gathered for the festival earlier in the day at a church on the outskirts of Funchal.

Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences for the victims of the
accident and said he would be going to the island. 

"I will go to Funchal today to learn more about what has happened, and, of course, to bring words of encouragement and comfort to those who have lost their loved ones," de Sousa said. 

The head of the regional government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, declared three days of mourning for the victims.

Portuguese tradition

The incident occurred during the Festival of Nossa Senhora do Monte, considered one of the most famous of the island's religious gatherings.

The event draws thousands of visitors from across Portugal and the world.

Nearly every village in the country has its own religious festival or pilgrimage, making it home to hundreds of such gatherings, many of which celebrate harvests and local saints.

Visit Portugal's Alentejo region

04:38

This browser does not support the video element.

ls/rc (AP, dpa)

Skip next section Explore more
Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW