At least 12 people have died in a wildfire in southern Spain, making it one of the deadliest in the country's history. The blaze, which broke out near the town of Los Gallardos in Almería province, has injured six others and left 19 people missing. Firefighters and military emergency units are working to contain the fire, which has spread rapidly due to extreme heat and dry conditions.
The victims include foreign nationals, some of whom were found inside burnt-out vehicles. Authorities believe many ignored evacuation orders and attempted to flee by car. The fire has destroyed over 3,150 hectares of land, and more than 1,000 residents have been evacuated. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences, calling the situation "an unprecedented tragedy."
The wildfire is part of a broader crisis in Europe, where heatwaves and drought have fueled multiple blazes. Spain has deployed its largest-ever summer wildfire response this year, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in many regions. Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of such disasters.