A 93-year-old British woman has become the 13th person to die in the devastating wildfires sweeping through southern Spain, according to the Andalusian government. The woman was taken to hospital on Friday after suffering burns to approximately 20% of her body, and her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of fatalities to 13.
British Victims Among the Dead
At least four of those who died are believed to be British, after four bodies were found in a burnt-out car with its steering wheel on the right-hand side. Spanish authorities suspect all victims were foreign tourists who abandoned their vehicles and attempted to escape on foot through rugged terrain.
Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, stated that post-mortem examinations have been completed and DNA samples collected to identify the victims.
Two British Hikers Rescued Alive
On Sunday, two British hikers were found alive but badly burned. The man and woman, who have not been identified, are thought to have suffered 40% burns, according to Spanish national broadcaster RTVE. They 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.” The officers called out and used whistles before hearing a sound they initially thought might be an echo.
Rescuer Rafael Zea said that given the couple’s injuries, it must have taken a “Titanic effort” for them to raise their voices to be heard. With help from firefighters and emergency services, the pair were rescued after more than two hours. They are now in serious condition in hospital, but their lives are not believed to be in danger.
Spain’s Ongoing Heatwave Crisis
Spain has experienced frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. In June, the country saw several days of record-setting heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to high temperatures. The wildfires in southern Spain have been particularly deadly, claiming the lives of 13 people, including foreign tourists attempting to flee the flames.
