Son of Belgian wildfire victim disputes Spanish officials' account of warnings
Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt said emergency crews gave no evacuation guidance as 12 people died trying to escape the fast-moving wildfire, authorities said.
- On Saturday, Belgian virologist Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt disputed official claims that residents received warnings during the July 12 wildfires in Bedar, Spain, stating emergency services provided no guidance to his father, Stanislas Verdonckt, and other victims.
- Twelve people, including Stanislas, died attempting to escape fast-moving wildfires reaching the mountain village of Bedar; victims were found in a valley below the Paraje el Curato area where he lived.
- Neighbors first attempted to flee via a paved road on Thursday night but were forced back by flames, Verdonckt said. "They couldn't get through via the main road because they were not warned in advance," he added.
- Bedar Mayor Angel Collado stated he urged the group to shelter in place, contradicting Verdonckt's assertion that no information was provided; the Spanish Civil Guard did not respond to requests for comment.
- Identities of all 12 victims remain unconfirmed as firefighters continue struggling to contain blazes near Los Gallardos, leaving families seeking answers about evacuation procedures and warning protocols.
28 Articles
28 Articles
A British couple have been rescued from severe burns in the wildfires that have claimed 12 lives, mostly foreigners, in Spain's Andalusia region since Thursday. Witnesses described the devastation as "like a bomb had dropped." The son of a Belgian man who died in the disaster has questioned Spanish authorities, saying they were not warned enough.
El Periódico
The Belgian authorities have not been able to contact three missing citizens, although official identification still depends on the forensic evidence carried out in Spain.
“Presumed Three Belgian Victims of Forest Fires in Spain,” Confirms the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Extreme heat has held Europe in its grip for weeks. Western Europe even recorded the warmest June ever. Meanwhile, southern France and Spain are being ravaged by severe wildfires. Follow all updates in this live blog.
Stanislas Verdonck was one of Thursday’s fire victims. His son claims that the group his parent, who spoke Spanish, never received information about how or where to protect himself from the flames.
Algemeen Dagblad
The wildfires in southern Spain are under control, Spanish media report. Several foreigners have lost their lives and 7,000 hectares have been destroyed by the fire.
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