António Boavida, 92, and his 91-year-old wife Idalina perished in the blaze, which investigating authorities believe was caused by an electric heater in the couple’s bedroom.
The fire broke out during the early hours of Tuesday morning in the Boavida’s apartment on the fifth floor of a building in Fundão, Castelo Branco.
Idalina, who is said to have been bedridden for a number of years, was found burnt to death in bed, while her husband was found dead on the floor of the living room, reportedly having succumbed to smoke inhalation.
Neighbours say they heard António’s cries for help, followed by an explosion. It is thought the elderly man was trying to reach a window to open when he was overpowered by the dense smoke.