Cristina Branco stated that a severe thunderstorm struck last night, during which a lightning strike allegedly caused a fire in her home. She explained, “the house caught fire after a lightning bolt struck.”
The local official emphasized that the fire completely destroyed the residence, rendering it uninhabitable and displacing four people: a couple, their 24-year-old son, and another bedridden man.
Branco mentioned that it was the residents who alerted authorities to the fire.
Last night, the displaced individuals were temporarily housed with a relative. Currently, efforts are underway in coordination with the União de Freguesias de Viade de Baixo e Fervidelas—where Pisões is located—and the Montalegre City Council in northern Vila Real to find a long-term solution for the family.
A source from the Alto Tâmega and Barroso sub-regional command reported that the fire alarm was raised at 03:18. Responding to the incident were the Montalegre firefighters, an Immediate Life Support (SIV) ambulance, and officers from the National Republican Guard (GNR).
