Fátima Volunteer Fire Deputy Commander, Hugo Fonseca, told Lusa that people had participated in an excursion where they had eaten food and felt unwell upon arrival at the hotel.

Eighteen of the victims were assisted on site and five were transported to Leiria Hospital.

Fire-fighters received the alert at around 9pm, unaware that food may have caused the symptoms of food poisoning.

On site were 14 members of the Fátima Volunteer Fire-fighters, supported by seven vehicles, the GNR and an emergency medical vehicle from Leiria.