At least 12 dead, 23 missing amid fast-moving wildfire in southern Spain

At least 12 people have died and 23 others are unaccounted for as firefighters in southern Spain battle a rapidly spreading wildfire, officials said.

Emergency services in Andalusia said the death toll rose overnight amid the devastating blaze.

Andalusian President Juanma Moreno said in a post on X that eight people had also been injured, including four who were in serious condition.

In an interview Friday morning on Spanish radio, Moreno said four of those killed were believed to be British nationals who became trapped in a car while trying to escape the flames and added that all of the other victims identified so far were thought to be foreign nationals.

The wildfire, burning in the municipality of Los Gallardos in Spain's southeastern Almeria province, continued to spread rapidly, with Moreno warning that weather conditions remained unfavorable for firefighters.

"The consequences are devastating," Moreno said in his post on X.

Emergency crews on Friday continued search-and-rescue operations as they worked to locate the people still reported missing.

Moreno told reporters that firefighters were battling to control one of the fastest and most complex wildfires in the Andalusia region in years. 

Popular Reads

Venezuela earthquakes updates: 3-year-old boy pulled out of rubble after 6 days

• Jun 30, 4:18 PM

Iran live updates: Trump agrees to continue talks with Iran, but ceasefire is 'OVER'

• 1 hour ago

Toddler declared dead in drowning incident found alive in hospital morgue: Police

• Jul 8, 4:12 PM

Spanish officials cautioned that the full scale of the disaster is still emerging as rescue efforts continue and officials work to identify victims.

Earlier Friday, a regional government official said in an interview that the fire was likely caused by an electric poll which had fallen. 

The regional minister for emergencies in Andalusia, Antonio Sanz Cabello, said on Friday that last night was “a truly tragic night” with "terrible consequences."

He said fighting the fire has been made more complicated by the remote terrain and the lack of access for heavy machinery. Sixteen aircraft are being used to fight the wildfire.

Cabello urged people to take maximum care and said teams are still fighting the wildfire in Los Gallardos "with all their strength."

Andalusia's government has urged people to be careful and follow all evacuation instructions from officials.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.