Death toll in southern Spain wildfire rises to 12 as firefighters battle blaze amid heatwave

A wildfire in the Almeria region of southern Spain has claimed at least 12 lives, with six others injured, as around 150 firefighters worked to contain the flames during a scorching heatwave. The blaze broke out in the hamlet of Bedar near Los Gallardos, where temperatures soared and orange weather warnings were issued, according to The Guardian and BBC.

BBCTwelve die in wildfire in Spain as heatwave continues in southern Europe

"The number of people who died in the fire in Los Gallardos has risen to 12 after the confirmation of six more deaths."

The Andalusian regional government confirmed the updated toll on Friday, after earlier reports had put the death count at six, as noted by Free Malaysia Today and ShortSingh. The sharp rise in fatalities underscores the ferocity of a fire that authorities describe as unprecedented for the region.

2 sources

Free Malaysia Today6 dead in wildfire in southern SpainShortSinghWildfire in Southern Spain's Almeria Kills 12 as Death Toll Rises

"The most devastating fire to date in our region."

Business RecorderWildfires in southern Spain kill 12, emergency agency says

Minister of the Presidency, Health, and Emergencies Antonio Sanz called the event an "unprecedented tragedy," according to Business Recorder. The wildfire is one of several across southern Europe as the heatwave persists, with BBC and MyJoyOnline noting that six people were injured in the Los Gallardos area alone.

MyJoyOnline12 die in wildfire in Spain as heatwave continues in southern Europe