At least 12 people have been killed in a major wildfire in southern Spain as an intense heatwave continues to fuel blazes across southern Europe.
The Andalusian regional government said the fire in Los Gallardos, Almeria province, also left six people injured. Several victims were found inside burned-out vehicles, while local residents said the blaze may have started after a power line fell. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause.
With temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, wildfires have spread across parts of Spain, France and Portugal. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the flames, while thousands of residents have been evacuated from affected areas.
About 150 firefighters are working to contain the blaze near Bedar. One person was hospitalised with smoke inhalation and another with burn injuries, while four others received treatment at the scene.
The wildfire has forced road closures and the evacuation of around 1,000 residents.
Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno described the incident as a "tragic tragedy" and expressed condolences to the victims' families in a post on X.
Spain has deployed its Military Emergency Unit to support firefighting efforts after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the country's largest-ever summer wildfire response force.
Spain recorded its hottest June since records began in 1950, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 42 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Climate experts warn that rising temperatures driven by climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts and destructive wildfires across Europe.
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