The fire, which killed eight people and injured 38, broke out when more than 60 people were at the club, many as part of a card tournament.

"The tragedy that has occurred at this association has plunged the municipality of Tondela into new pain and consternation," said the municipality, referring to forest fires three months ago, which ravaged almost 180 square kilometres in the area, killing three people and destroying property.

The local authority said it was grateful for "the availability of operational resources from all fire brigades, the emergency ambulance service, the GNR and Civil Protection, as well as all the solidarity shown by mayors, Government and the President of the Republic."

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the Minister of Internal Administration, Eduardo Cabrita, who visited the place where the tragedy occurred, said their thoughts went out to the families of the victims.