At least 60 killed in Greece forest fires

Athens, July 24: At least 60 people were reportedly killed in wildfires in Attica region around the Greek capital, making it the worst fire since the devastation in the southern Peloponnese peninsula in August 2007, killing dozens.

Over 150 people were also injured in the fires that destroyed structures, affected transport links and saw people escaping from their homes.

Local officials informed the country's media about the death toll after the blaze ruined the seaside village of Mati in Rafina region of south-eastern Greece, located around 29 kilometres from Athens.

Bodies of 26 adults and children, apparently hugging each other, were found by the rescuers, the report added.

The blaze gained strength from Monday (July 23) night but lost pace as winds slowed down but the firefighters still had a difficult time to being it under control.

Greece's fire brigade said the intensity and spread of the wildfire in the coastal village of Mati, about 29km east of Athens, had slowed on Tuesday as winds died down, but it was still not fully under control.

Authorities declared a state of emergency in the Athens metropolitan area and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras cut short a visit to Bosnia to return home.