A devastating wildfire in the Los Gallardos area of Andalusia, Spain, has resulted in at least 11 deaths and 19 missing persons. The blaze, which officials suspect was caused by a downed power line, has led to widespread evacuations.
Key points
- Emergency services reported that victims were found in and around the village of Bédar, with several discovered inside vehicles.
- Andalusia's health and emergencies minister, Antonio Sanz, stated that the fire was rapid and complex, with some victims believed to be foreign nationals.
- Approximately 1,000 residents were evacuated as firefighters and the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) worked to contain the flames.
- Four individuals have been hospitalized with serious burns, while others sustained minor injuries and respiratory issues.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing intensity of summer wildfires in the Mediterranean region, which experts link to climate change and extreme heatwaves.