At least 12 dead as wildfire forces mass evacuations in southern Spain

At least 12 people have died in a fast-moving wildfire in southern Spain, with emergency responders discovering several victims trapped inside burned vehicles in the Almería region.

The regional government of Andalusia initially reported six fatalities before confirming the toll had risen to 12 following further discoveries in the Bedar area. At least six other individuals have been injured, including two who were hospitalised for severe burns and smoke inhalation.

The blaze, which broke out near the municipality of Los Gallardos on Thursday, 9 July, has caused widespread disruption and forced the evacuation of approximately 1,000 residents. Authorities have closed multiple transport routes to secure the area, including sections of the critical A-7 motorway.

While an official cause has not yet been confirmed by emergency services, local witnesses reported that the fire may have begun when a fallen power line ignited highly combustible, dry vegetation.

The sudden loss of life and the rapid displacement of communities highlight the immediate human toll of severe environmental emergencies in southern Spain. Recovery and containment operations remain ongoing across the affected zones as the situation continues to develop.