AT least 12 people have been killed in an “unprecedented” wildfire in Spain – with several victims found trapped inside torched cars.
The terrifying blaze that also left six people injured has been called “the most devastating fire to date in our region” by local authorities.
The deadly blaze in Spain killed at least 12 and injured six Credit: Reuters
An emergency worker looks on during the deadly wildfire in Almeria, Spain Credit: Reuters
It comes amid a series of wildfires that have torched the Mediterranean in recent weeks – swallowing forests and destroying thousands of hectares of land.
The latest fatal blaze broke out in Los Gallardos in Almeria, southern Spain, as authorities deployed over 150 firefighters.
Some of the victims were found trapped inside vehicles that had been engulfed in flames.
One witness said the fire was sparked by a fallen power line which caused the fire to spread rapidly to a nearby wooded area.
But local authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the inferno.
The fire came amid a record-breaking heatwave in Europe that has been behind numerous wildfires across the continent.
Revising a previously reported death toll, local authorities said: “The number of people who died in the fire in Los Gallardos has risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths.”
Emergency services were deployed to a hamlet called Bedar where the fire initially kicked off.
Among the injured included one victim who was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation, and another who suffered burns.
Four people were treated at the scene for minor burns and respiratory problems caused by the thick smoke.
Hundreds of firefighters have been battling a string of major blazes in France, Portugal, Greece, and other nations.
The horrifying ordeal also sparked travel chaos – causing road closures across the region.
At least 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes amid the chaos.
Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME), which is reserved for major disasters, said it would join firefighting efforts in Los Gallardos.
Thousands of people have been ordered to leave their homes due to mass evacuations.
Minister of the Presidency, Health, and Emergencies Antonio Sanz described the fire as an “unprecedented tragedy” and “the most devastating fire to date in our region”.
Meanwhile, regional leader Juanma Morena said: “Our deepest condolences to the families of the six people who lost their lives in the Los Gallardos and the affection from all of us to the municipalities affected by the fire.”
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