Wildfire Near Los Gallardos, Spain, Kills at Least 12 and Leaves 19 Missing

At least 12 people have died and 19 others are missing after a wildfire broke out near Los Gallardos in Spain's Andalusia region, regional president Juanma Moreno said. The fire, thought to have started from a downed power line, spread into a wooded area around the town. Eleven of the bodies were found in and around the village of Bédar just outside Los Gallardos.

Antonio Sanz, Andalusia's health and emergencies minister, said four people were found trapped in a car with a right-hand steering wheel and are believed to be of British origin. Sanz added that early indications suggest the majority or even all victims may have been foreign nationals and that the death toll remains provisional. Moreno said the death toll could rise significantly.

"Our hearts are heavy and we are devastated by grief," he posted on social media. Emergency services reported that 1,000 residents were evacuated and roads were closed. One person was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation and another suffered burns.

Four more people received treatment at the scene for minor burns and respiratory problems. Spain's Military Emergency Unit said it would join the firefighting operation. The fire occurred during a sustained heatwave with temperatures around 40C.

Last year a record 393,000 hectares burned in Spain, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.