Teenage son is only survivor
The tragedy that destroyed a family last Thursday morning in the hamlet of Brunheiras, near Vila Nova de Milfontes, has claimed another victim today: 52-year-old father José Coelho, who was airlifted from the scene in a critical condition to be flown to the burns unit at Coimbra Hospital.
Subsequent reports suggested father and son were both stable, but today this devastating news – leaving 13-year-old Francisco the only survivor.
As to Francisco’s prognosis, he has been submitted to surgery. Other than that, very little has been said.
The family’s home was completely destroyed by what appears to have been a massive gas explosion.
The noise of the blast was heard more than 10 kms away. Neighbours have described how their own homes shook.
Reports even today explained how local people and friends of the family are collecting money to rebuild the house. A bank account has been opened to ‘help the father and son’ in their recovery. Now money raised will just be going to the son.
This has been a devastating event for the Alentejan town. The first victims, who died in the explosion, were mother Hélia Santos, 48, and her nine-year-old daughter Luísa.
