Pedro Sanchez expressed his ‘deep sadness’ over the Almeria wildfire tragedy after at least 11 people were confirmed dead on Friday morning.
The fatal victims, believed to be British, became trapped in their cars in a riverbed after taking an alternative escape route, authorities said.
The Spanish prime minister confirmed that the Army’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) had been deployed to the area.
He wrote: ‘Immense sadness and devastation in the face of the terrible consequences of the fire affecting the province of Almeria.
‘I want to convey my condolences to the families of those who died in the Los Gallardos forest fire.
‘My wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and my solidarity with all the affected residents.’
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with messages of support also sent to the hundreds of firefighters and emergency personnel continuing to battle the blaze.
Andalucian president Juanma Moreno described the disaster as a ‘terrible tragedy’, saying he was ‘heartbroken and devastated’ by the loss of life.
In a message on X, he offered his ‘deepest sympathy’ to the families of the victims and expressed support for the communities affected by the wildfire.
Meanwhile, PSOE Andalucia leader Maria Jesus Montero sent her support to residents of Los Gallardos, Bedar and Lubrin, as well as to the firefighters, emergency workers and local officials responding to the disaster.
She also used the tragedy to renew calls for stronger action on climate change, writing: ‘We must not take a single step backwards in the fight against climate change and its dangerous effects in Andalucia.’
Vox regional MP Rodrigo Alonso said it was ‘devastating to see the mountains consumed by flames’ as the fire continued advancing towards Antas.
He praised the work of forest firefighters, writing: ‘Stay strong. We are in the best hands.’
The leader of Adelante Andalucía, Jose Ignacio García, said his party was following the ‘tragic news’ with deep concern.
‘All our love goes to the families of the victims. Rest in peace,’ he wrote, while also thanking INFOCA crews and regional emergency personnel for their work.
The left-wing coalition Por Andalucia also expressed solidarity with evacuated residents, adding: ‘Our infinite gratitude goes to INFOCA and all the emergency workers who continue working tirelessly. Protecting public services is protecting Andalucia.’
The wildfire remains active, with hundreds of emergency personnel, aircraft and military units continuing efforts to bring the blaze under control after one of the deadliest fire disasters Andalucía has seen in decades.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
