At least 12 people have died following a large-scale wildfire near Almería in southern Spain late on Thursday night. The fire spread rapidly through dry vegetation next to a highway, necessitating the urgent deployment of emergency services and the evacuation of several residential areas.
Approximately 150 firefighters and five water-tanker vehicles were mobilized to combat the flames. In addition to the fatalities, one woman with burns and another person suffering from smoke inhalation were hospitalized. Four others received on-site treatment for respiratory issues and minor burns.
The fire is occurring during an intense heatwave in Spain, with high temperatures and dry terrain hampering firefighting efforts and increasing the risk of new outbreaks in the region. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with witnesses suggesting it may have started due to a fallen power cable.
