Two British hikers have been found alive but badly burned following deadly wildfires that hit southern Spain, according to Spanish national broadcaster RTVE. The man and woman, who have not been identified, are thought to have suffered 40% burns.
Rescue by Civil Guard Officers
The pair were discovered by a team of Civil Guard officers who had previously checked the area but decided to return. Sergeant Pedro Barre told RTVE: “That experience we accumulate over the years is what tells you: take another look, give it one last try, check again just in case.” They called out and used whistles before hearing a sound they initially thought was an echo.
Another rescuer, Rafael Zea, said that given the couple’s injuries, it must have taken a “Titanic effort” for them to raise their voices. With help from firefighters and emergency services, they were rescued after more than two hours.
Fatalities and Victims
At least 12 people are believed to have died in the fire near the village of Bedar, in Almeria province. At least four are thought to be British, after four bodies were found in a burnt-out car with its steering wheel on the right. Spanish authorities believe all victims were foreign tourists who attempted to escape on foot after abandoning their vehicles in rugged terrain.
Ongoing Emergency Response
The rescued hikers are in serious condition in hospital, but their lives are not believed to be in danger. Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, said post-mortem examinations and DNA samples were collected to identify the deceased. Authorities proactively evacuated 1,448 people from 11 areas.
Spain has suffered frequent severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40C. In June, Spain experienced record-setting heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat.
