12 foreign nationals die in Spain forest fire

Spanish authorities have confirmed that 12 out of 13 victims who perished in a devastating forest fire in the southern Andalusia region were foreign nationals. Autopsies have identified the victims as seven from the United Kingdom, three from Belgium, one from France, and one from the United States, with the final victim being a Spanish national.

The victims, all adults comprising eight women and five men, died in the fire that erupted last Thursday in the southeastern province of Almeria. This area, known for its scenic beauty along the Mediterranean coast, is a popular settlement for many foreign residents. Strong winds fanned the flames, rapidly consuming dry vegetation and transforming the picturesque rural area into a scene of devastation.

Rescue teams initially found 12 bodies in a severely charred state, necessitating DNA testing for identification. The disaster, described as one of the deadliest forest fires in Spain in recent years, is suspected to have been ignited by a fallen electrical cable. The blaze destroyed an estimated 7,000 hectares of land but has since been fully contained, with affected residents permitted to return home.