Wildfires in southern Spain kill 12, emergency agency says
A deadly wildfire in southern Spain has killed at least 11 people, many of whom were foreign nationals attempting to flee by car. Emergency services are struggling to contain the blaze, which has been exacerbated by early summer heatwaves.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights the increasing danger of early-season wildfires in Europe due to climate change and the risks associated with evacuation procedures.
At least 11 people died attempting to flee a wildfire in southern Spain , and 19 were missing, with firefighters on Friday still battling to bring one of the country’s deadliest blazes on record under control.
One Spaniard was among the victims and the rest appeared to be foreign nationals who ignored instructions to shelter in place, trying instead to flee by car as flames spread rapidly through a wooded area around the town of Los Gallardos in Almeria province, said Antonio Sanz, head of emergencies in the Andalucía region.
The area is a popular holiday destination and home to many foreigners, especially the French, Britons and Belgians. Four people, who appeared to be British because the steering wheel of their car was on the right-hand side, died in one vehicle, he said.
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