Four British people are believed to have died in a wildfire in Spain after four bodies were found in a burnt-out car which had its steering wheel on the right, according to Andalusia’s health and emergencies minister, Antonio Sanz. The victims were among at least 11 people who perished in the fire, authorities said on Friday.
Discovery Near Bédar Village
The bodies were discovered near the village of Bédar, in Almería province. Authorities believe the other seven victims were also foreign tourists. The victims attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.
“The decision to take another route instead of the designated evacuation route became a fatal trap,” Mr Sanz said. The minister stated that the victims had sought “their own way out” through a dry riverbed rather than following the route co-ordinated by emergency services.
Provisional Death Toll and Injuries
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. Offering his condolences to the families, Mr Sanz said: “There are no words for so much pain.” He reported 11 dead, four seriously injured, and eight others with less serious injuries. Formal identification of the deceased has yet to be carried out.
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.
