At least 12 people have died in a wildfire in Los Gallardos, in the southeastern Spanish province of Almería, according to the Andalusian regional government. Six others were injured in the incident.
Several of the victims were found inside vehicles that had been engulfed by the flames. Witnesses said the fire was sparked by a fallen power line, with the flames spreading rapidly through a nearby forested area. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire.
An ongoing heatwave, with temperatures reaching around 40°C (104°F), has fueled wildfires across Southern Europe.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling major blazes in France, Portugal, and Spain, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
“The number of people who died in the Los Gallardos wildfire has risen to 12 following the confirmation of six additional fatalities,” the Andalusian regional government said in a statement.
The head of the Andalusian regional government, Juanma Moreno, described the deaths as “a tragedy.” Writing on X after the initial report of six fatalities, he said, “Our hearts are heavy, and we are devastated with grief.”
Around 150 firefighters were working to contain the blaze near the village of Bédar. Among the injured, one person was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and another suffered burns. Four others were treated at the scene for minor burns and breathing difficulties caused by the dense smoke.
The wildfire also led to road closures, while approximately 1,000 residents were evacuated, according to emergency services.
