Key facts
- A 93-year-old British woman has died from injuries sustained in wildfires in Spain's Almeria province.
- The death raises the total number of fatalities to 13.
- The woman was admitted to the hospital with burns covering 20% of her body.
- She had pre-existing medical conditions.
- Authorities are working with France, Britain, and Belgium to register missing persons, with two more reported missing.
- The wildfire has been contained and secured, and residents are returning to their homes.
A 93-year-old British woman has died from injuries sustained in wildfires that swept through Spain's southeastern Almeria province, bringing the total death toll to 13. The woman was admitted to the hospital early Friday morning with burns covering 20% of her body and had pre-existing medical conditions.
The Andalusian regional government confirmed the death on Sunday night. Regional emergency chief Antonio Sanz expressed condolences to the family and other victims of the blaze, which burned more than 7,000 hectares in the Los Gallardos municipality.
Spain's forensic services data unit, the CID, reported that two more people were missing, bringing the total to 10. The CID is working with authorities in France, Britain, and Belgium to formally register cases and expects more reports. Belgian authorities believe three Belgian nationals are among the victims, including businessman Stanislas Verdonckt, whose son stated his father received no warning from authorities before attempting to escape on foot.
The president of the regional government of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, announced on Sunday that the fire had been contained and its perimeter secured. Over 1,000 residents were permitted to return to their homes. Moreno urged vigilance, noting the high frequency of forest fires in the region during summer.