British Woman Dies in Portugal Windstorm, 28 Injured

An 85-year-old British woman died after an extreme wind phenomenon, believed to be a tornado, struck a campsite and nearby hotel in Albufeira, Portugal, on Saturday morning, injuring 28 people including British, Portuguese, and Spanish nationals.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. at the Parque de Campismo de Albufeira and the adjacent Hotel Eden in the Algarve region, a popular destination for British tourists. The woman, who was inside a motorhome at the campsite, was initially reported missing amid the chaos. Emergency responders later found her body under debris after performing resuscitation efforts, which were unsuccessful. Authorities confirmed her death at the scene.

The violent winds hurled debris, masonry, and even cars into the air, causing widespread structural damage. Caravans were destroyed, hotel roofs were torn off, and glass shattered at the hotel, leading to the injuries. Of the 28 people hurt, ages ranging from 6 to 86, 19 were at the Hotel Eden with one in serious condition. Two others sustained serious injuries at the campsite. Those with minor wounds were treated at local facilities, while the seriously injured were transported to Faro Hospital.