A sequence of at least four explosions sparked a fire in the early hours of Tuesday that destroyed an apartment in Belas, Sintra, and caused damage to the building. The only occupant of the apartment, a 68-year-old retired military man, was killed, and four other people were injured, including three PSP agents.
Judicial police are investigating and do not rule out that the explosions could have been caused by the deceased victim. The deceased soldier, João da Eira Marques, was a professional explosives maker.
The fire alarm was announced at 00:15. “The first explosion engulfed the entire house, followed by three more,” explained CM Alvaro Melo, commander of the Belas fire department. 55 firefighters and 30 police officers took part in the fire extinguishing effort. The building in which the fire occurred and three others were evacuated. The soldier was found already dead at the entrance to the house.
Three police officers were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and the woman was treated at the scene. The fire was extinguished within an hour. Only the residents of the house below the one that burned down were temporarily relocated.
Author: Madalena Sales
Source: CM Jornal
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