12 killed, 23 missing as wildfire sweeps southern Spain

MADRID: At least 12 people have been killed and 23 remain missing after a fast-moving wildfire tore through forested areas in southern Spain, authorities said.

The blaze erupted near the town of Los Gallardos, prompting a major emergency response involving hundreds of firefighters, military personnel and law enforcement officers working to contain the fire and assist affected communities.

Spanish officials said one of the victims was a Spanish national, while the others appeared to be foreign nationals who reportedly did not follow evacuation orders directing residents and visitors to move to designated safe areas.

Authorities continued search and rescue operations as crews battled the wildfire, with concerns that the death toll could rise.

According to officials, the disaster is being described as one of the deadliest wildfires in Spain’s history.