Portugal: 600,000 gallons of red wine flows through town, triggers environmental warning

Locals in Portugal's Sao Lorenco de Bairro were left surprised recently when they saw a river flowing through the streets of the small town. But this river was no ordinary as red wine washed down the street instead of water.

Streets of Portugal's Sao Lorenco de Bairro town witnesses river of red wine after spill. Photo Courtesy: Boyz Bot Twitter page

The unusual incident took place on Sunday, after two tanks owned by Levira Distillery – which were carrying a whopping 600,000 gallons of the booze – suddenly gave way, according to a New York Post report.

A video posted online showed the red liquid flowing and rushing down a steep hill in the small town of Sao Lorenco de Bairro, home to some 2,000 residents, the outlet reported.

No injury was reported due to the incident.

Several videos of the unusual incident have now flooded the social media.

According to reports, an environmental alert was raised as the massive spill could have filled an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Officials then sprang into action trying to stop the wine in its path, before it could literally turn the Certima River into wine, the report added.

Taking immediate action, the Anadia Fire Department blocked off the flood and diverted the stream of wine away from the river.

Firefighters said a basement in a home near the distillery was flooded due to the spillage.

Levira Distillery has apologised for the incident.

“We assume full responsibility for the costs associated with cleaning and repairing the damage, having teams do so immediately,” it said in a statement as quoted by media.