At Least 12 Dead and 23 Missing as Spain Battles One of Its Deadliest Wildfires

At least 12 people have died and 23 others remain missing after one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires swept through the southern region of Andalusia.

Andalusia’s regional minister for health and emergencies, Antonio Sanz, described the blaze as “the most devastating fire” the region has ever experienced. He said most, if not all, of the victims are believed to be foreign nationals.

Among those killed were four people who became trapped inside a vehicle while trying to escape the flames. According to Sanz, the car had a right-hand drive steering wheel, leading authorities to believe the victims were of British origin.

Spanish Civil Guard investigators are examining whether a fallen power line may have sparked the fire. However, electricity company Endesa has disputed suggestions that its infrastructure was responsible, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

The wildfire comes amid a prolonged heatwave that has pushed temperatures to around 40°C (104°F) across southern Europe, fuelling a series of destructive fires. Firefighters have been battling major blazes in Spain, Portugal and France, while thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes.