A 93-year-old British woman has died after being injured in the devastating wildfires that swept through southern Spain, authorities said. The Andalusian government confirmed the woman was taken to hospital on Friday after suffering burns to about 20% of her body. Her death was announced on Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of fatalities from the fires to 13.
British victims among the dead
At least four of the victims are thought to be British, after four bodies were found in a burnt-out car with its steering wheel on the right-hand side. Spanish authorities believe all the victims were foreign tourists who attempted to escape on foot after abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.
Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, previously stated that authorities had completed post-mortem examinations and collected DNA samples to identify the victims. The Andalusian government did not release the name of the 93-year-old woman.
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. The pair were discovered by a team of Civil Guards, 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.” He said they called out and used whistles before eventually hearing a sound they initially thought could be an echo. Another rescuer, Rafael Zea, noted 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 hikers were rescued after more than two hours. They are now in a serious condition in hospital, although their lives are not believed to be in danger.
Spain’s heatwave crisis
Spain has suffered frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. In June, the country experienced several days of record-setting heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to the extreme temperatures. The wildfires in Almeria, Andalusia, have been particularly devastating, claiming 13 lives and highlighting the dangers of heatwaves and fires in the region.
