Wildfire in southern Spain kills 11, leaves 19 missing

A wildfire that began Thursday afternoon in Almería province has killed 11 people and left 19 others missing. More than 150 firefighters are working to contain the blaze that has burned 3,150 hectares. Four of the dead were found inside a vehicle whose steering wheel was on the right-hand side, suggesting they were British.

Seven others died after leaving their cars and attempting to flee on foot along a route outside the official evacuation plan.

Casualties and response Antonio Sanz, Andalusia's head of emergencies, said the four people in the vehicle appeared to be British. He added that the victims were "mostly or entirely" foreigners, though identities had not yet been confirmed. " Four additional people are being treated in hospital for serious burns, and more than 140 residents have been rehoused.

Evacuations and cause Pedro Ridao, mayor of the neighboring town of Antas, said 80 people had been evacuated from his community. He stated the fire in Antas was under control and that crews hoped to stabilize the blaze using aircraft. Ridao said the fire may have started when a cable came loose and fell onto dry vegetation.

Authorities continue search operations amid concerns that additional people could be missing. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed "enormous sadness and devastation" and offered condolences to the families of those killed. Emergency services, security forces, and the military emergency unit have been mobilized.