A British couple holidaying in Almeria, Spain, was found badly burned and in critical condition in a ravine after being trapped by a deadly wildfire that has killed 12 people and scorched over 6,000 hectares. The couple, believed to have been hiking when the fire trapped them, were rescued by Spain's Civil Guard after making a titanic effort to call for help from their hidden position.
Rescue Operation Details
Sergeant Pedro Barre, one of three officers involved in the search, told Spain's TVE state broadcaster that the search party heard a sound from a distance but initially thought it was an echo. 'As you gain more experience, something inside you tells you, Look again, try one more time,' he said. The team followed the sound and climbed down a hill, where they found the couple semi-conscious with burns covering 40 percent of their bodies. The rescue operation took two hours to transport them to the hospital.
Wildfire Impact
The wildfire, which started on Thursday due to a downed power line, spread rapidly through the village of Bedar because of high winds and dry conditions. Hundreds of firefighters have battled the inferno, which has become one of Spain's most fatal wildfires in recent history. More than 1,000 people were evacuated, and dozens remain missing. The Civil Guard continues to search for survivors in the worst-hit area.
Victims and Identification
Among the dead, many are believed to be British and Belgian nationals, along with one Spanish national. Forensic teams in Madrid are testing samples from the bodies and using DNA from families of the missing to identify victims. Eight people, including the rescued couple, are receiving treatment for burns in hospitals.
Emotional Aftermath
Sergeant Barre reflected on the rescue: 'We'll never forget that look of surprise and emotion on their faces.' The couple's survival amid the devastation has provided a rare moment of hope as authorities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the deadly fire.
