The death toll from the devastating wildfire in Los Gallardos, southern Spain, has risen to 12, with 19 people still missing. Spanish authorities have stated they believe "most if not all" of those who perished are foreign nationals.
British Victims Confirmed
Antonio Sanz, Andalucia's acting Regional Minister for Health, the Presidency and Emergencies, confirmed early this morning that four individuals "of British origin" lost their lives after becoming trapped by flames while attempting to escape the area in a car. The vehicle had its steering wheel on the right-hand side, indicating it was a British-registered car.
Second Incident Claims Seven Lives
In a separate incident, seven people died after abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee on foot. Mr Sanz revealed that two of the nine people in that group managed to save themselves, but the other seven perished. He stated: "One appears to have been Spanish and the seven others could be foreigners, Belgians and British nationals."
Officials Warn of Rising Toll
Regional president Juanma Moreno has stated that 19 other individuals remain unaccounted for, sparking fears that the disaster could prove far worse than initially expected. The confirmed death toll currently stands at 11 and is anticipated to rise to 12 shortly.
Mr Sanz noted that some victims chose evacuation routes not indicated by emergency services, which became a "mortal trap." He said: "Unfortunately the decision of some people to take evacuation routes that weren't those indicated by the emergency services and take an alternative route became a mortal trap."
