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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Staff Reporter

Athens wildfires: Car passenger films on motorway surrounded by flames

With wind whipped wildfires raging around them and heavy smoke in the air, one person filmed themselves as they drove to safety along Greece's E94 motorway between Athens to Peloponnese.

At least 60 people have been killed by the blazes which spread rapidly towards residential areas engulfing all before them. 

It is thought the driver who took the footage survived the journey. 

Officials have asked for US drones "to observe and detect any suspicious activity" in the region. 

Some have speculated that they were started deliberately by criminals hoping to loot homes, as 15 fires seemed to start at arund the same time, in three surrounding areas of Athens.

In the coastal resort of Mati, 25 miles from the capital, the flames have engulfed over 1,000 homes and over a dozen vehicles.

Located in the Rafina region, it is popular with local tourists, especially pensioners and children attending holiday camps.

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