A devastating wildfire that tore through southern Spain has claimed another life, pushing the death toll to 13 and leaving families across Europe mourning loved ones lost in one of the country’s deadliest fires in recent years.
The latest victim was a 93-year-old British woman who died after suffering serious injuries in the blaze that swept through the Los Gallardos municipality in Spain’s southeastern province of Almería. She was among eight people who were taken to hospital after the fire, with four others reportedly suffering severe injuries.
According to the Andalusian regional government, the woman was admitted to the emergency unit early Friday morning with burns affecting 20 per cent of her body. Officials said she also had existing medical conditions, which may have complicated her recovery.
Regional emergency chief Antonio Sanz expressed condolences to her family and the relatives of other victims, describing the incident as one of the most heartbreaking wildfire disasters Spain has experienced.
The fire, which destroyed more than 7,000 hectares of land, forced thousands of residents to flee their homes as flames spread rapidly through communities in and around Los Gallardos. The disaster has also triggered concern beyond Spain, with authorities working with France, Britain, and Belgium to identify missing people.
Spain’s forensic services data unit, the CID, confirmed that two additional people had been reported missing, bringing the number of missing individuals linked to the wildfire to 10. Authorities have not yet formally identified all the victims, as some missing persons could potentially be among those who died.
The Belgian government also revealed that three Belgian nationals were believed to be among the victims. One of them was identified as 63-year-old businessman Stanislas Verdonckt, whose family said their last contact with him was a phone conversation shortly before the tragedy unfolded.
As investigations continue, the Andalusian regional government confirmed that the wildfire has been contained, allowing more than 1,000 evacuated residents to return home.
For many families, however, the return home comes with unimaginable pain. The wildfire may have been brought under control, but the memories of loss, fear, and devastation will remain long after the flames disappear.
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