The sole survivor of the June 26 tragedy in Vila Nova de Milfontes has spoken for the first time about the explosion that killed his parents and sister. Francisco, 13, was hospitalized for a month and the scars of the accident are still clearly visible. In a video posted to social media by a Canadian influencer who aims to help those who need it most, Francisco recalls the moment he woke up to a loud explosion, surrounded by rubble.
“My father went to take a shower, stepped into the shower and exploded. I woke up with an explosion,” Francisco says in a video in which he reveals that he has deeper marks than those visible: “I wish I could spend more time with them and see them again.” Ultimately, this is his message to the world: “If we don’t spend time with what we like or with who we love, everything can disappear.”
The explosion was caused by a leak in a butane cylinder. The bodies of the woman, Helia Santos, 48, and her youngest daughter, Luisa, 9, were found under the rubble of the house. The man, who was seriously injured, with burns to 70% of his body, died in hospital in Coimbra. Francisco survived and was hospitalized for a month. Treatment is ongoing, but the teenager, a Benfica and Cristiano Ronaldo fan, needs help with expenses. Solidarity initiatives are being held in the Bruneiras area of Vila Nova de Milfontes to raise funds for young people.
Author: Miguel Balansa
Source: CM Jornal
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