A UK family have been killed in a car accident while holidaying in southern Portugal, local authorities have confirmed.
Domingos Serrano, 55, his wife, Maria, 51, and their 20-year-old twin sons, Afonso and Domingos, died when their car collided with another vehicle on Saturday on the IP2 motorway near Castro Verde, in the Alentejo region,.
Also killed in the crash was a 19-year-old woman reported to have been the girlfriend of one of the twins, along with the 26-year-old driver of the other car involved.
The family were reportedly on their way from Faro to Mourão, in Portugal’s south-east, where they regularly spent holidays.
The victims, originally from the Mourão area, lived in Thetford, Norfolk. Though they were resident in the UK, it is understood they were not British nationals, according to Sky News.
In a statement, the municipal council of Mourão confirmed the deaths and declared two days of mourning. “It is with great regret that the municipality announces this information, offering its condolences to the families and friends of the victims,” it said.
“In the car there were four occupants, of Mouranese nature, and a young woman with affinity to the family. Residents in England, [they] follow from Faro to Mourão, for the usual and deserved vacation.”
The council announced the cancellation of all municipal activities and events across the weekend as a mark of respect.
Tributes have been paid to the family by non-league Thetford Town Football Club, where the twins had played for the under-18s team.
In a post shared on social media, the club said: “Thetford Town Football Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the Serrano family and the local Portuguese community after the recent tragedy while on holiday.
“Afonso and Domingo’s were both an integral part of our U18’s team in recent years, both brothers sadly passed away in Portugal with their parents and friends in a tragic car accident. The loss of this lovely family will leave a massive void in the local community.”
“Partiram, mas nunca serao esquecidos,” the club said, which translates to: “They are gone, but they will never be forgotten.”
An investigation into the cause of the crash is under way.
