Wildfire kills 11 in southern Spain, injures 8; 19 missing

A wildfire in the southern Spanish town of Los Gallardos has claimed at least 11 lives, authorities reported Friday. The blaze, which occurred near the popular tourist city of Almeria, also left eight people injured and 19 unaccounted for. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Spain has been experiencing severe heat waves, with temperatures soaring to almost 106 degrees Fahrenheit in the southern part of the country.

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the majority of those who were killed were foreigners

Regional health minister Antonio Sanz indicated that four of the deceased appeared to be British, based on their presence in a vehicle with the steering wheel on the right side. Regional President Juanma Moreno noted that "the majority" of those killed were foreigners, and identification processes are ongoing. Sanz also shared that some victims perished after deviating from official evacuation routes, seeking their own escape path through a dry riverbed that ultimately became a deadly trap.

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the only way to assure area residents were safe was to institute a lockdown and relocate them

In response to the crisis, officials implemented a lockdown and relocated residents, with 122 people taken to a nearby theater and sports center. Hundreds of emergency responders are working to contain the fire, which has consumed nearly 7,800 acres of natural area and reached a highway, posing additional risks. The Spanish Royal Family canceled a ceremony and observed a moment of silence for the victims, expressing their deep sadness and condolences.

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We express our sadness and condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and to all those affected. We also extend our gratitude and support to the emergency services and all those who, with professionalism and dedication, continue to work to address this situation