A fast-moving wildfire in Spain’s southern Andalusia region has killed at least 12 people, regional officials confirmed Friday, in what has been described as the deadliest blaze recorded in the area. The fire, which broke out on Thursday afternoon, has left several more individuals unaccounted for as search operations continue.

The blaze ignited near the N-340 highway in the municipality of Los Gallardos, Almeria province, and was rapidly fanned by strong winds into the neighbouring municipality of Bedar. Emergency services discovered several victims trapped inside vehicles as they attempted to escape a rural hamlet, according to local authorities.

Andalusia’s regional leader, Juanma Moreno, stated that nineteen people remained unaccounted for. The fire is reportedly the deadliest in the region’s recent history, surpassing records from both the 20th and 21st centuries. Andalusia’s acting minister for health, the presidency and emergencies, Antonio Sanz, called it “the most devastating fire to date in our region” and an “unprecedented tragedy.”

Six other individuals sustained injuries, including a woman with severe burns requiring hospitalisation and another person treated for smoke inhalation. Four others received on-site treatment for minor burns and respiratory issues. Approximately 50 evacuated residents are being temporarily housed in a local cultural centre.

More than 300 emergency personnel, including 150 specialists from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME), are engaged in battling the flames. The significant smoke output forced the closure of two major highways in the affected area by regional traffic authorities.

While investigations into the precise cause of the Almeria blaze are ongoing, local media reports suggest a downed power line may have been the initial ignition source, sparking the dry vegetation.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had earlier this year announced Spain's intention to deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response. Following the incident, he expressed profound sadness and devastation on social media, confirming the mobilization of emergency services, security forces, and the UME to combat the fire and urging residents to exercise extreme caution.

The deadly wildfire occurs as heatwaves across Europe have heightened the continent's vulnerability to fires. The incident underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and the critical need for robust emergency response and preventative measures.