A wildfire has claimed the lives of at least 11 people in Spain as Europe continues to battle a raging 40C heatwave, with bodies found in burnt-out cars in Los Gallardos, Almeria
A wildfire has killed at least 12 people – including four understood to be Brits. Their bodies were found in a burnt out car which had its steering wheel on the right.
Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s health and emergencies minister, said the people inside the car were believed to be “of British origin”. They were among at least 12 people who perished in the fire, authorities said on Friday. 19 people are missing.
Bodies were found near the village of Bédar, in Almería province. Authorities believe the other seven victims were also foreign tourists. They were thought to have attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.
“The decision to take another route instead of the designated evacuation route became a fatal trap,” Mr Sanz said. He said the victims had sought “their own way out” through a dry riverbed rather than following the route co-ordinated by emergency services.
It comes as Europe continues to grapple with a scorching 40C heatwave. Several bodies were discovered in charred vehicles in Los Gallardos, Spain, where firefighters are still battling the blaze.
Six other people have sustained injuries. Eyewitnesses claim the wildfire was sparked by a fallen power line, though officials have yet to confirm the cause. Approximately 150 firefighters have been sent to combat the flames.
“The number of people who died in the fire in Los Gallardos has risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths,” the regional government of Andalusia said in a statement.
The head of the regional government, Juanma Moreno, called the deaths “a tragedy”. Writing on X after an initial toll of six deaths was announced, he said: “Our hearts are heavy and we are devastated by grief.”
The death toll has been revised down from an earlier figure of 12 but remains provisional as rescue teams continue to search the fire zone.
The Andalusian regional government said in a later statement: “The number of people who died in the fire in Los Gallardos has risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths.”
The fire has forced the evacuation of around 1,000 residents, while emergency services have closed roads in the area as crews continue battling the flames.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on X: “Immense sadness and pain seeing the terrible impact of the fires in the province of Almería.
“I want to convey my condolences to the families of those who died in the Los Gallardos forest fire. My wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and my solidarity with all the affected neighbors.
“Members of @mitecogob, @proteccioncivil, and the Law Enforcement and Security Forces of the State are working to combat the flames. The @UMEgob has already been mobilized. Much caution.”
A spokesman for the Andalusia emergency services said: “In one car where four people died, it appears they are British with the car having a steering wheel on the other side.”
Hundreds of firefighters are battling major incidents in France, Portugal and Spain, with thousands forced to leave their homes. A sustained heatwave with temperatures of around 40C (104F) has caused wildfires across southern Europe this summer.
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