A wildfire in Spain's southern province of Almeria has killed at least 12 people and left 23 others missing, making it one of the country's deadliest fires on record.
Key facts
- At least 12 people have died in the wildfire.
- 23 others are reported missing.
- The fire is in the southern province of Almeria, a popular holiday destination.
- Several victims were found inside burnt-out vehicles, thought to have died while trying to flee.
One of Spain’s deadliest wildfires has killed at least 12 people, with 23 others reported missing, according to NPR. The blaze struck the southern province of Almeria, a popular holiday destination.
Several of the victims were found inside burnt-out vehicles, according to NPR. They were thought to have died while trying to flee the advancing flames.
The scale of the death toll places the fire among the deadliest in Spain’s history. With 23 people still unaccounted for, the number of confirmed casualties could rise as search efforts continue.
Almeria’s status as a holiday destination means the affected area may have drawn visitors in addition to local residents, though the source did not specify the identities of those killed or missing.
Details on the cause of the fire, the extent of the area burned and the response effort were not provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Deadly wildfires like the one in Almeria highlight the growing human toll of intense fire seasons in southern Europe. The fact that victims died while trying to flee underscores the difficulty of evacuating quickly when flames spread fast.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the wildfire happen?
The fire struck the southern Spanish province of Almeria, described by NPR as a popular holiday destination.
How many people have died?
At least 12 people have died, and 23 others are reported missing, according to NPR.
How did some of the victims die?
Several victims were found inside burnt-out vehicles and were thought to have died while trying to flee the flames, according to NPR.