A 93-year-old British woman has died from burns sustained in a devastating wildfire in southern Spain, raising the death toll to 13, according to the Andalusian government. The pensioner, who suffered burns to around 20 percent of her body, was rushed to hospital but passed away on Sunday.
Victims Mostly Foreign Tourists
Spanish authorities believe all victims were foreign tourists who attempted to escape on foot after abandoning their vehicles in rugged terrain. Four bodies were found in a burnt-out car with a right-hand steering wheel, leading authorities to suspect they were British. Many of the dead are thought to be British and Belgian nationals.
Two British Hikers Rescued
In a separate incident, two British hikers were found alive by Civil Guard officers in a ravine on Sunday. The pair, suffering from 40 percent burns, were discovered after officers decided to recheck the area. Sergeant Pedro Barre told Spanish national broadcaster 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." Rescuer Rafael Zea described the couple's effort to call for help as a "Titanic effort." They were rescued after more than two hours with the help of firefighters and emergency services and are now in serious but stable condition in hospital.
Ongoing Identification Process
Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia's emergency services, confirmed that post-mortem examinations have been completed and DNA samples collected to identify the deceased. The wildfire, which ripped through a village in southern Spain, has been exacerbated by frequent and severe heatwaves in the country, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. In June, Spain experienced record-setting heat, leading to over 1,000 excess deaths attributed to high temperatures.
