Spain wildfire kills 12 near Bedar, officials say

A wildfire near the Spanish village of Bedar killed 12 people, officials said, after flames trapped people in vehicles and as they tried to flee on foot.

The blaze broke out Thursday and has burned through more than 6,000 hectares near Spain's Mediterranean coast. Officials said most of those who died were foreigners.

Authorities suspect the fire began when a power line broke as Spain faced extreme heat, creating conditions that helped the blaze spread.

Residents described urgent evacuations as smoke and flames approached isolated homes outside Bedar. Manoli Ramos, a 72-year-old town councillor, said the mayor ordered her to ring the church bells to warn residents.

Some evacuees were taken to a municipal sports hall in Garrucha, where the Red Cross was helping people who had fled. Officials said some of those who died had not followed orders to evacuate or to shelter in place once the flames were too close.