Twelve people were killed in a major wildfire that broke out on Thursday afternoon in Los Gallardos, in Almeria province of Spain's southern Andalusia region, according to local emergency services.

Fanned by high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds, the wildfire spread rapidly into the neighboring municipality of Bedar.

An official statement said some of the victims were found inside vehicles that had been engulfed by flames.

Judicial authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and formally identify the victims, while emergency services remain on alert as firefighting efforts continue.