Entire family huddled together to die when they couldn’t escape Greece wildfires (Video)
An entire family has been killed in the wildfires that have struck resorts near the Greek capital, Athens, claiming the lives of more than 60 people.
Rescuers discovered 26 bodies, including those of small children, huddled together at one holiday compound, some of them hugging.
They were found just 30 metres away from the sea after being unable to find a route away from the fires in the village of Mati.
It is believed they huddled together in a bid to protect themselves from the fire which was fuelled by 60mph winds.
Fire brigade spokesman Stavroula Maliri said they caused a ‘sudden progression of fire’ through the village.
‘Mati no longer exists,’ said the mayor of nearby port town Rafina, Evangelos Bournous, adding that more than a thousand buildings and 300 cars had been damaged.
Many tourists and residents fled towards the coastline to escape the flames and choking smoke.
Authorities evacuated more than 700 people by sea overnight, said government minister Nektarios Santorinios, whose ministry is in charge of the coast guard.
The two largest wildfires – one 20 miles north-east of Athens near Rafina, the other 30 miles west of the capital in Kineta – broke out on Monday during hot, dry summer conditions.
Culled from Metro
My view: It's terrible, the family that died were reportedly just 30 metres away from the sea after being unable to find a route away from the fires, that's so sad.