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First suspect named in investigation into Pedrógão Grande’s killer fires

First suspect named in investigation into Pedrógão Grande’s killer firesPublic ministry investigators have named the first official suspect in the inquiry into the fire of Pedrógão Grande in June, where 65 people lost their lives (and one more has since died in hospital).

Mário Cerol is the second in command at Leiria district emergency command and was the third in command on that terrible day in June when a wildfire went horrifically out of control.

According to Público, he “commanded the fire during critical hours”, only being substituted by the ‘second-in-command’ Albino Tavares at 10pm on 17th, after the highest death toll in a single fire in Portugal’s living memory.

The paper adds that it is unclear whether Cerol will be the only ‘arguido’, but that he was officially made a formal suspect “without having been heard by the Public Ministry”.

At this stage, there is no official word on what kind of charges could be involved.

Early on in this investigation, media sources suggested accusations could involve negligent homicide (click here).

As an ‘arguido’, Cerol has told TSF radio that he cannot supply any further details on the case.

UPDATE 5PM

Second official suspect named: "respected" Pedrógão Grande firechief Augusto Arnaut.

Says Público, at issue are suspicions of the crimes of negligent homicide and physical injury, again caused through negligence.

Further names are expected to be announced either later today, or in the near future.

natasha.donn@algarveresident.com

Article by kind premission of The Portugal Resident

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Comments  

0 #3 Janus 2017-12-15 10:28
It is common knowledge amongst the citizens of Portugal and is also brought to the attention of the Portuguese government every summer that the country has a totally inadequate forest fire response system in place and that has been the situation for the 20+ years that I have lived in Portugal, the only thing that the people in government responsible for forest fire response are any good at is ineptitude, prevarication and passing the buck and this latest response just confirms that, all they can come up with is lets throw a few minions to the lions to appease the public.
Knowing the way the political system works I won't be holding my breath waiting for the politicians and beuracrats, past and present, who have the ultimate responsibility for this tragedy being named as suspects and receiving the punishment that they deserve for their total dereliction of duty to the people of Portugal.
-1 #2 dw 2017-12-13 22:51
Portuguese for scapegoat: Bode expiatório.
+3 #1 nogin the nog 2017-12-13 15:41
hmm
We are not saying individuals didn't live up to the positions they hold. But surely the state itself is to blame for allowing this situation to become what it was.
No adequate fire breaks for the fire brigade to work safely, Tree lines to close to roads and infrastructure, should be something the government is responsible for

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