Four British nationals are feared to be among 12 people killed in a wildfire in Almeria, southern Spain, local media reports indicate. Some victims were found trapped in their vehicles as the blaze raged.
Approximately 150 firefighters are working to contain the fire, according to the Emergency Agency of Andalucía. The regional government confirmed some of the deceased were discovered in cars, revising an earlier death toll of six.
At least six people were injured, including a woman treated for burns and another individual suffering from smoke inhalation, both of whom were transported to a hospital. Regional emergency chief Antonio Sanz described the fatalities as an "unprecedented tragedy" with "immense" pain.
Witnesses have suggested the fire may have originated from a fallen power line that ignited dry vegetation, leading to rapid spread through surrounding woodlands. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the cause.
Road closures and evacuations were implemented as the wildfire advanced, with around 50 residents being temporarily housed in a cultural center. Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) is expected to join the firefighting efforts.
"The fire situation is complex. It's a fire with a very large ravine where machinery hasn't been able to enter, where there are no access points. The topography is extremely difficult," Sanz explained.
The fire perimeter is estimated to cover approximately 3,150 hectares. A total of 464 firefighters with 124 vehicles have been deployed, including personnel from Infoca.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his devastation over the "terrible consequences" of the wildfire. He had previously announced Spain's intention to deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response this year.
Juanma Moreno, head of the regional government of Andalusia, also called the blaze a "tragedy," stating, "Our hearts are heavy and we are devastated by grief."
The wildfire occurs amidst a heatwave affecting Spain, with scorching temperatures in Andalusia prompting orange weather warnings. Spain has experienced an increase in frequent and prolonged heatwaves in recent years, often exceeding 40C and creating conditions conducive to major wildfires.
Last year, deadly wildfires consumed nearly 400,000 hectares of land in Spain, the highest figure recorded by the European Forest Fire Information System.
