Spain wildfires: Son of man who died disputes authorities’ warnings claim | World News

The son of a Belgian man who died in a wildfire in Spain has disputed authorities’ claims about the warnings issued.

At least 12 people have died, with 23 more missing, since the blaze broke out in Andalusia on Thursday.

Belgian virologist Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt said his father, Stanislas Verdonckt, was one of eight people found dead in a valley on the outskirts of mountain village Bedar, in the southeastern province of Almeria.

Authorities have said those who died ignored advice telling them to shelter in place – but Mr Verdonckt said his father was not told the fire was heading his way, or that it would be safer to stay at home.

“The people who died did not fail to follow any orders, because no orders were given,” he said. “No information was provided.”

Mr Verdonckt said he last spoke with his father just before 9pm local time (8pm UK time) on Thursday, as the fire neared Bedar.

He said a group, including his dad, tried to flee by car that evening, but were beaten back by flames.

“They couldn’t get through via the main road, because they were not warned in advance,” he said. “Nobody ⁠told them that the fire was coming from that direction, and when they tried to get out, it was ​too late.”

They then tried to drive in the other direction, but could not make it out and abandoned their vehicles, with some people choosing “to run and try to get into the valley”.

Authorities said local officials and police went door-to-door and telephoned residents with instructions on how to evacuate or shelter.

Bedar mayor Angel Collado said he had urged Stanislas Verdonckt’s group to shelter in place.

The Andalusian regional government and the Spanish Civil Guard have not responded to requests for comment.

Bedar is one of the worst-affected areas, and a British couple are among those who have been rescued.

Read more from Sky News:
US senator and Trump Lindsey Graham ally dies
Journalists subpoenaed over Air Force One leak

A Spanish Civil Guard Sergeant told Spain‘s national broadcaster ⁠TVE that the two Britons were found semi-conscious and badly burned.

They were thought to have been out hiking when the blazes spread and are now in intensive care.