A fast-moving wildfire has claimed at least 12 lives in southern Spain, while 23 people remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could increase.
The blaze swept through the Los Gallardos area of Andalusia on Thursday. Authorities said many of the victims are believed to be foreign nationals. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue searching for those who remain unaccounted for.
Fire Spread Rapidly Across Southern Spain
The wildfire started in an area of steep ravines before spreading quickly through forests and scrubland.
According to officials, strong winds of around 50 kilometres per hour fueled the blaze. As a result, the fire advanced nearly 15 kilometres in just two hours.
The head of the Andalusia regional government, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, described the fire’s speed as extraordinary.
Victims Could Not Escape the Flames
Authorities said several victims became trapped while attempting to flee.
Some people reportedly died inside their vehicles, while others lost their lives as they tried to escape on foot.
One evacuated resident described the terrifying scenes.
“I had seen gas cylinders exploding, houses on fire, windows shattering.”
He added:
“got away by the skin of their teeth”.
Officials said the condition of the victims’ bodies was so severe that DNA testing would be required for identification.
Moreno said the victims were “badly burnt and unrecognisable”.
Search Continues for Missing People
Authorities confirmed that 23 people remain missing.
However, officials cautioned that some individuals may have taken shelter elsewhere or may still be unable to contact their families.
“So we have to be cautious and wait for more specific information to emerge,” Moreno said.
Emergency teams continue searching the affected area as rescue operations remain underway.
Foreign Residents Among the Victims
Officials believe several victims were foreign nationals.
According to Moreno, four victims are believed to be British nationals who were found inside a right-hand-drive vehicle.
Local officials also said seven people died while attempting to escape on foot.
Spanish media reported that the 12th victim was a cyclist who became trapped by the rapidly advancing flames.
Hundreds Evacuated as Firefighters Battle Blaze
Authorities evacuated hundreds of residents from affected communities.
Officials also confirmed that eight people suffered injuries, including four who remain in serious condition.
Around 500 firefighters, supported by Spain’s Military Emergency Unit, continue working to contain the wildfire.
So far, the blaze has destroyed approximately 3,200 hectares of land.
Moreno warned that bringing the fire under control could take several days because of the difficult terrain.
“The rugged terrain, with its steep slopes, has made access extremely difficult,” he said.
Extreme Heat Fuels Wildfire Risk
Spain has experienced prolonged periods of extreme heat in recent years.
High temperatures, combined with dry vegetation and strong winds, have created conditions that allow wildfires to spread rapidly.
Scientists say climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves.
Last year, wildfires burned nearly 400,000 hectares of land across Spain, marking the country’s highest recorded total according to the European Forest Fire Information System.
Meanwhile, families continue searching for missing loved ones as emergency crews battle one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires in recent years.
