A 48-year-old man has died after suffering a fatal bout of heatstroke in the middle of a street in Sevilla.
The victim, a foreign national, collapsed on Tuesday after what regional authorities described as prolonged exposure to high temperatures outdoors.
Antonio Sanz, Andalucia’s acting health minister, confirmed the death on Wednesday and urged residents not to underestimate the dangers posed by the ongoing heatwave.
‘We must not let our guard down,’ he said, describing the victim as a ‘worker’.
‘We all have a responsibility to avoid situations that put our health at risk,’ he added.
The man’s medical history is unknown because he was not registered with the Andalucian Health Service (SAS).
His death follows two other confirmed heat-related fatalities in the region this summer: a 68-year-old man in Almeria who died on June 23, and a 71-year-old woman in Sanlucar la Mayor, Sevilla province, who died on July 3.
The latest fatality comes as temperatures continue to exceed 40C across parts of Andalucia, with some inland areas forecast to reach 42C.
More than 1,000 heat-related emergencies
Since Andalucia activated its summer heat protocol on May 15, emergency services have treated 1,081 people suffering illnesses linked to the extreme temperatures.
Of those cases, 747 were treated in primary care, with the remainder requiring hospital treatment.
Up to July 7, health authorities had confirmed 13 cases of heatstroke, nine of whom remain in hospital.
The regional government’s heat-health protocol will remain in force until September 30, with authorities continuing to issue advice and warnings during periods of extreme temperatures.
Officials say those most at risk include people aged over 65, young children, people with chronic illnesses, those taking certain medications, homeless people and anyone working or exercising outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
Residents are being urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, remain indoors during peak afternoon temperatures where possible and regularly check on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
