Four British people are believed to be among 11 tourists killed in a wildfire in southern Spain. The bodies of the four were found in a burnt-out car which had its steering wheel on the right, indicating a vehicle from the UK.
Officials Confirm British Victims
Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s health and emergencies minister, said the people inside the car were believed to be “of British origin.” They were among at least 11 people who perished in the fire, authorities said on Friday. Bodies were found near the village of Bédar, in Almería province.
Authorities believe the other seven victims were also foreign tourists. They were thought to have attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.
Fatal Decision to Avoid Evacuation Route
“The decision to take another route instead of the designated evacuation route became a fatal trap,” Mr Sanz said. He said the victims had sought “their own way out” through a dry riverbed rather than following the route co-ordinated by emergency services.
The death toll has been revised down from an earlier figure of 12 but remains provisional as rescue teams continue to search the fire zone. Mr Sanz offered his condolences to the families, adding: “There are no words for so much pain.”
Injuries and Evacuations
He said there were 11 dead, four seriously injured and eight others with less serious injuries. Formal identification of the deceased has yet to be carried out, he added. Mr Sanz said 122 people were evacuated and more than 3,000 hectares burnt, with the fire still active. “The fire has been very fast, and evidently the consequences have been terrible,” he said.
