Twelve die in wildfire in Spain as heatwave continues in southern Europe
A wildfire in southern Spain has claimed 12 lives, with authorities warning that the death toll may rise. The fire, which started near Los Gallardos, is being investigated as a potential result of a downed power line.
Why it matters
This event underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather conditions during record-breaking heatwaves.
Figure caption, Firefighters battle flames as deadly wildfire rages in southern Spain
At least 12 people have died and 23 others are missing in a wildfire in southern Spain, Andalusia's regional leader Juanma Moreno has said.
Four of the victims may be British, Andalusia officials say.
Hundreds of people are trying to contain the fire, which Moreno said appeared to have been caused by a downed power line. The flames then spread in a wooded area around Los Gallardos, Almería.
A sustained heatwave with temperatures of around 40C (104F) has caused wildfires across Southern Europe this summer. Firefighters have battled major incidents in France, Portugal and Spain, with thousands forced to leave their homes.
The bodies of the victims were found in and around the small village of Bédar, just outside Los Gallardos.
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