Falling tree crushes Madeira festival-goers: 11 feared killed before street procession

At least 11 people are reported to have been killed by a falling tree during a religious festival on Madeira.

Another 35 people are also said to have suffered crush injuries as they waited for a street procession to begin after a church service as part of the Catholic festival.

Local reports said the 200-year-old oak tree had come crashing down on the crowd outside a church on the hills of the village of Monte, overlooking the Portuguese island's capital of Funchal, at about midday.

A Facebook Live video set up at the festival captured the moment the tree fell on the large group of people.

One local report said that children might be among the victims who were struck in an area where candles were being sold for the Festa da Senhora do Monte festival.

Television footage from the scene showed police and firefighters near the uprooted tree along with Red Cross workers.

Portuguese media are reporting varying death counts, but television stations are reporting that 11 people have been killed. There was no immediate official confirmation of the numbers of casualties.

Others have been taken to the island's Nelio Mendonca Hospital with "fractures and head injuries".

The tree that came down is understood to have been in an area where candles were being sold and was packed with people.

The Festa da Senhora do Monte festival brings thousands of visitors from across the world to the island of Madeira and marks the Assumption, or entry into heaven of the Virgin Mary, according to Catholic beliefs.

Held on August 14 and 15, it draws large crowds to The Church of Our Lady of Monte, which is surrounded by tall trees, in the outskirts of the city. 

The traditional procession, which forms part of the festival, has been cancelled.

Nossa Senhora do Monte is the patron saint of Madeira. The festival is described as the island's most important annual event.