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🇩🇪 Germany /Disasters & Emergencies

Spain wildfire: At least 12 dead, 23 missing in Andalusia blaze

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • A devastating wildfire in southern Spain's Almería province has claimed at least twelve lives, with 23 people reported missing.
  • Victims were trapped in vehicles or on roads while attempting to flee the flames, with authorities suspecting foreigners, possibly British and Belgian nationals, among the dead.
  • The fire, suspected to have been caused by a power line collapse, has caused widespread shock, particularly in the UK, where many victims may be from.

A catastrophic wildfire in Andalusia, Spain, has resulted in at least twelve fatalities and left 23 people missing, according to regional government officials. The blaze, which occurred near popular Mediterranean beaches in the provinces of Almería, specifically around the towns of Los Gallardos and Bédar, is being described as the deadliest wildfire of the 21st century in the country.

What horror, what horror!

— OnlookersOnlookers' desperate cries were captured in videos shared by media outlets.

Victims were reportedly trying to escape the advancing flames when they became trapped. Four individuals died inside a vehicle, while eight others perished on the roads, overcome by the fire. Authorities believe these individuals chose incorrect escape routes in their desperate attempt to flee. The exact death toll remains uncertain as the search for the missing continues.

The fire is very close!

— OnlookersOnlookers' desperate cries were captured in videos shared by media outlets.

There is significant concern in the UK, as regional health minister Antonio Sanz indicated that foreign nationals might be among the deceased, with a possibility that a majority could be British or Belgian citizens. The British Foreign Office is reportedly in close contact with Spanish authorities, awaiting identification of the victims.

Houses are burning!

— OnlookersOnlookers' desperate cries were captured in videos shared by media outlets.

Eyewitness accounts describe the event as an "inferno" and a "nightmare." Videos circulating online capture desperate cries of "What horror, what horror!" and "The houses are burning!" The mayor of Antas described the experience as a "terrible night." The suspected cause of the fire is the collapse of a power line, adding to the tragedy that has sent shockwaves internationally.

We experienced a terrible night.

— Pedro RidaoThe mayor of Antas described the harrowing experience of the wildfire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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