Tourists fleeing wildfire burned alive in Andalusia: Identification of 12 victims underway

©picture alliance / Anadolu | Chema Artero

The severe wildfire in the Spanish province of Almería is slowly coming under control, but the toll remains devastating. At least twelve people have lost their lives in and around Los Gallardos, and 23 people are still missing. Among the missing are Belgians. In fact, there has been no word from a Belgian couple for 48 hours.

VRT NWS foreign correspondent Stijn Vercruysse is on the scene and is witnessing firefighting helicopters and planes flying back and forth to scoop up water from the sea and drop it over the smoldering fire sites. The fire broke out on Thursday and spread rapidly across dry forest areas. In total, approximately 6,600 hectares have already gone up in flames. More than 1,400 people had to be evacuated. The A-7 highway has since reopened to traffic, which is a first sign that the situation is stabilizing somewhat. According to Andalusian authorities, weather conditions today are more favorable than in recent days. There is less wind and the humidity is higher, allowing emergency responders to take a truly proactive approach for the first time. Until now, firefighters have mainly had to work defensively to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Deadliest wildfire of the century in Spain

Firefighters worked through the night and are now deploying heavy equipment, along with helicopters, firefighting planes, and hundreds of firefighters and military personnel. Meanwhile, the region is officially observing three days of mourning for the victims of what is already being called the deadliest wildfire in Spain this century. The identification of the victims continues. Autopsies have been completed, and DNA samples have been sent to Madrid for final analysis. The authorities emphasize that those missing should not automatically be presumed dead, but uncertainty remains high for families in Spain and abroad.

Send on the right

Authorities have already confirmed that the deceased are of various nationalities. EFE reports that the fatalities were found at two locations. Four people died in a right-hand-drive car, suggesting the victims may have been British. Seven others died after leaving their vehicles and attempting to flee on foot.

©picture alliance / Anadolu | Chema Artero