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Broken Cable Suspected in Spain Wildfire That Kills 12, Leaves 23 Missing

Broken Cable Suspected in Spain Wildfire That Kills 12, Leaves 23 Missing

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A powerful wildfire in Almería, Spain, has resulted in at least 12 deaths and 23 disappearances.
  • Preliminary estimates suggest a broken electrical cable may have ignited the blaze amid extreme heat.
  • The fire spread rapidly through the rugged terrain, trapping those attempting to flee.

A devastating wildfire in Spain's southern province of Almería has claimed at least 12 lives, with another 23 people missing, many of whom are believed to be foreigners. The blaze, which spread with alarming speed through the rugged landscape of Los Gallardos, trapped individuals attempting to escape the flames. Preliminary investigations suggest that a broken electrical cable, exacerbated by extreme heat and strong winds, may have sparked the fire. Regional authorities described the event as a "major tragedy" and one of the most rapid and complex fires encountered in recent times. The fire advanced 15 kilometers in just two hours, fueled by dry vegetation following a rainy winter and subsequent heatwaves. Eight people were injured, four seriously. The rapid spread transformed the area into a "deathtrap," according to initial reports, with officials noting that the majority of the deceased are likely foreign nationals, pending formal identification.

We have 12 people deceased, 23 people unaccounted for.

— Juan Manuel Moreno BonillaThe regional president of Andalusia provided an update on the casualties and missing persons.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.