A fast-moving wildfire that has killed at least 12 people was tearing through areas in southern Spain Friday after trapping people in burning vehicles and as they tried to flee on foot.The death toll from the wildfire, already one of the highest in Spain's recent history, could rise as authorities said 23 people remain unaccounted for. Many of the victims were believed to be foreigners, they added.

The fire, which started Thursday in an area of steep ravines, destroyed forests and swathes of scrubland in the Los Gallardos area of Andalusia. An unidentified man who was evacuated said he had seen "gas cylinders exploding, houses on fire, windows shattering".