Channel Island politicians send condolences to Madeira

Channel Island politicians have expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the people killed by a falling tree at a festival in Madeira.

The incident killed 13 people and injured 49 others yesterday afternoon.

A regional health official said 10 of the 13 died at the scene of the Nossa Senhora do Monte religious festival in the capital, Funchal.

They added that of injured, seven were seriously hurt.

Jersey's Chief Minister tweeted that his "thoughts & prayers are with the family and friends of those killed in the awful accident at Lady of the Mount Festival in Madeira".

Guernsey's former Chief Minister also expressed his condoloences. He tweeted: "Families and friends of all affected by the tragic accident at Nossa Senhora do Monte festival in Madeira are very much in our prayers".

The remainder of Madeira's biggest annual festivity has reportedly been cancelled.

The regional government of Madeira has declared three days of mourning for the victims.