Spain wildfire claims 11 lives, 19 missing

A devastating wildfire has killed at least 11 people and left 19 others missing in Spain’s southern province of Almeria, as firefighters continue efforts to contain one of the country’s deadliest blazes in recent years.

The fast-moving fire tore through wooded areas around Los Gallardos and the nearby village of Bedar, destroying homes, vehicles, and other property.

The government said most of those killed are believed to be foreign nationals who ignored emergency directives to remain indoors and instead attempted to escape the flames.

Andalusia’s head of emergency services, Antonio Sanz, said residents had been advised to shelter in place, but several victims lost their lives while trying to flee by car.

Among the dead were four people believed to be British, whose bodies were discovered inside a right-hand-drive vehicle.

Another seven victims were found after reportedly abandoning their vehicles and attempting to escape on foot through an unauthorised route.

Officials said four people with serious burn injuries are receiving treatment in hospital, while rescue teams continue searching for those still missing.

The wildfire is believed to have been triggered after a power cable fell onto dry vegetation, with strong winds rapidly spreading the flames across the area.

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The mayor of the nearby town of Antas, Pedro Ridao, said the fire advanced at alarming speed, consuming farmhouses, holiday homes and vehicles as emergency responders raced to contain it.

Ridao noted that the region’s rugged landscape, characterised by steep ravines, has made access difficult for firefighters and rescue teams.

The tragedy has prompted renewed calls from authorities for residents and visitors to strictly comply with evacuation and safety instructions during wildfire emergencies.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences to the bereaved families, describing the disaster as heartbreaking and pledging the government’s support for affected communities as emergency operations continue.