Madeira: Falling tree kills 13 during Assumption Day festival

Funchal, Wiki image by Hedwig Storch

At least 13 people were killed and 49 were injured yesterday during a procession for the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady in Funchal on the Atlantic island of Madeira. Seven people are reported to be seriously injured.

The tree, which was over 200 years old, collapsed onto a stall selling candles.

The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed his condolences for the victims, and said in a statement: "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."

The Feast of the Assumption is one of the biggest festivals on the island.

The regional government of Madeira has declared three days of mourning.

Madeira is an autonomous Portuguese island.