Forest fires kill 19 in central Portugal

A forest fire in Portugal has killed at least 19 people, most of them trapped in cars that were caught in the flames.

The fire, which started yesterday, is still burning out of control and is already one of the deadliest in Portugal in decades.

It hit the mountainous area of Pedrogao Grande, 200km south-east of Lisbon, amid an intense heat wave fanned by strong winds.

Twenty people have been injured, including six firefighters, and two people are missing.

It is not yet known what caused the fire, which has also burnt down houses in the area.