A major farm fire in the western Swiss municipality of Bottens has killed more than 500 animals, mostly adult cattle and calves, authorities announced Thursday.
The man who lived in the building, which was completely engulfed in flames, is still missing, police said in a statement.
“When emergency services arrived, the owners were able to evacuate a small portion of the large herd of cattle located in the building, approximately fifty head of cattle, as well as some of the farm equipment parked inside,” police said.
Emergency services were alerted to the fire at around 1:35am local time (00:35am Lisbon time) today and responded quickly.
Photos released by police showed a large agricultural building, surrounded by several bunkers, completely engulfed in flames and emitting large waves of smoke.
According to the news agency, a neighbor on the farm said he “heard animals mooing at night, it was terrifying.” 24 hours.
He also emphasized that at this time of year “feed supplies are at their maximum.”
Some of the animals, which were partially burned or poisoned, had to be euthanized after emergency services arrived, said Patrick Sautey, an inspector for the insurance agency.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and is being investigated.
According to police, about sixty firefighters were mobilized to extinguish the fire, and a member of the emergency response team came to the aid of the family who owned the property.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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