A tree has fallen into worshippers gathered to celebrate the Assumption on the island of Madeira, Portugal, killing 12 and injuring 50.
Crowds of people celebrating the island's patron saint, Our Lady of the Mount, on 15 August were struck by the falling tree near a shrine in a park in the hills above Madeira's capital Funchal as they prepared for a procession.
Pedro Ramos, health secretary of the local government of Madeira, said 10 people had died on the spot and a further two when they arrived in hospital. He said some of the injured were foreign tourists, including from Germany and France.
Two children are among the dead, Portuguese broadcaster RTP reports.
"My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims and my solidarity is with the citizens of Madeira," Prime Minister Antonio Costa said. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was traveling to the island to comfort victims.
Amateur video footage showed a huge tree crashing down into the crowd, prompting many to run for their lives.
Fire and rescue services rushed to the scene to help victims and cut away the fallen tree.
PICTURE: Madeira, Portugal
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