Key facts
- At least 12 people died in a wildfire in Los Gallardos, Spain.
- Some victims were found in burnt-out vehicles or died attempting to escape on foot.
- Ten of the victims appeared to be foreign nationals.
- Approximately 1,000 residents were evacuated from the affected area.
- Southern Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures around 40C (104F).
At least 12 people have died in a wildfire in Los Gallardos, southern Spain, amid a severe heatwave affecting the region. The fire, which has prompted evacuations and road closures, has been described as a devastating tragedy by regional officials. Some victims were found in burnt-out vehicles or died attempting to escape on foot after taking an evacuation route that became a death trap.
Authorities advised residents in some areas to evacuate via a recommended route, while others were told to shelter in place. However, rapidly approaching flames and smoke made sheltering impossible for some, leading them to seek alternative escape routes. Ten of the victims appeared to be foreign nationals, with one Spaniard confirmed dead.
Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which is one of the deadliest in the region's history. The heatwave, with temperatures around 40C (104F), is exacerbating wildfire conditions across southern Europe, with significant incidents also reported in France and Portugal.