A ferocious wildfire that tore through Spain’s Almeria province has killed at least 12 people and left more than twenty others missing, making it one of the deadliest blazes in the country’s history. The fire broke out near the town of Los Gallardos and spread with alarming speed through tinder-dry countryside, fanned by strong winds and a punishing heatwave.
Survivors described a chaotic scramble for safety, with some residents given only minutes’ warning before flames engulfed their neighbourhoods. Several victims died after abandoning their vehicles and attempting to flee on foot; officials say a dry riverbed that many used as an escape route became a deadly trap. A number of the dead are believed to be British nationals living in the area.
Spain’s government has opened an inquiry into the disaster and has faced mounting criticism over the adequacy of early warnings to residents. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has offered condolences to affected families, while emergency crews, soldiers and aircraft continue battling the remaining pockets of fire across the province.
Source: nytimes.com