At least 12 people have died and 23 others remain missing after a devastating wildfire swept through southern Spain, officials said on Friday, as firefighters continued efforts to bring one of the country’s most severe blazes under control.
The wildfire broke out in the Los Gallardos area of Almería, several kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast. Regional authorities described the disaster as one of the most destructive fires Spain has experienced in recent years.
Andalusia regional leader Juanma Moreno said 23 people were still unaccounted for, adding that many of the victims were believed to be foreign residents. The area is a popular holiday destination and home to many expatriates, particularly from Britain, France and Belgium.
Four victims were found inside the same vehicle, which authorities believe may have carried British nationals due to the vehicle’s right-hand steering system. Another group of seven people died while attempting to escape the flames.
Emergency Minister Antonio Sanz said some victims became trapped while trying to leave their villages. Officials said several people failed to follow designated evacuation routes, leading to a tragic loss of life.
Seven others reportedly abandoned their vehicles and attempted to flee on foot through areas that were not part of the official evacuation plan.
Although authorities have officially listed 19 people as missing, some may have taken shelter with relatives or friends and could still be safe. Reports indicate at least one Spanish national is among the dead.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences to the families of those killed and offered support to communities affected by the disaster.
The wildfire season began earlier than usual this year after an intense heatwave left large parts of Spain extremely dry and vulnerable to fires. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 57,000 hectares of land have already been destroyed by wildfires across Europe this year.
