Spain wildfire kills 12 in Almería, victims in vehicles

A wildfire in southern Spain has killed at least 12 people, with some victims found inside vehicles engulfed by flames, according to regional authorities. The fire broke out late on Thursday, July 9, in the hamlet of Bedar, located in the municipality of Los Gallardos in the southeastern province of Almería.

The death toll was revised upward from an initial six on Friday, July 10, as emergency services continued to battle the blaze. At least six people were injured, including one person hospitalized with smoke inhalation and another with burns. Four others were treated at the scene for minor burns and respiratory problems caused by heavy smoke. Approximately 150 firefighters, supported by five fire trucks, were working to contain the fire.

Witnesses reported that the fire may have started after a power line fell, igniting dry vegetation before spreading rapidly through surrounding woodland. Authorities have not confirmed the cause. The fire led to road closures and the evacuation of residents, with about 50 people housed in a local cultural center. Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME), deployed for major emergencies, was due to join firefighting efforts.