Wildfire in Almería kills 13, nine victims identified

A wildfire that swept through the municipalities of Bédar and Los Gallardos in Almería has claimed 13 lives, with nine victims identified as of Monday. The dead include four British, three Belgian, one French, and one Spanish citizen. A 93-year-old British woman later died in hospital from burn injuries and pre-existing conditions.

Identification progress

Identifications were carried out by the Civil and Criminal Section of the Court of Vera using genetic analysis. Among the identified are Pedro Rodríguez, a retired Spanish geologist, and his British wife Ana Sims, who died together near their vehicle. Also identified: British couple Pete and Fran Gillam, Belgian national Stanislas Verdonckt, French woman Stephanie Navarro, and British couple Michael and Christine Chard. Three bodies remain unidentified. Source: ABC.es Source: El Mundo

Human stories

The tragedy has devastated the small community of Bédar. A pharmacist recalled seeing victims shortly before the fire: "Su coche lo hemos visto calcinado" (We have seen his car burned). Source: ABC.es Jerome Navarro, who survived by fleeing on a motorcycle while his wife Stephanie took the car, was found in shock, repeating "mi mujer, mi mujer." Source: El Mundo

Dispute over warnings

A conflict has emerged between authorities and some survivors. Officials claim victims ignored advice to stay indoors, but Thomas Verdonckt, son of a victim, asserted there was "no official warning." Source: El Mundo