A tragic bus accident in the Canary Islands has resulted in the death of a British man and left multiple tourists injured, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on Friday, April 10, when a tourist bus carrying 27 British nationals crashed into a ravine on the island of La Gomera.
Details of the Devastating Crash
The crash took place shortly after 1pm local time on the GM-2 road near San Sebastian de La Gomera. Emergency services were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving reports that the bus had come off the road at a hairpin bend and slid down a slope into a ravine. Photographs shared by the Canary Islands government on social media show the vehicle resting in the ravine after leaving the roadway.
Casualties and Emergency Response
According to official statements from the local government, the crash resulted in one fatality and four serious injuries among the British tourists. The Foreign Office confirmed on Friday evening that the deceased was a British national. A spokesperson stated: "We are supporting the family of a British man who died in the bus accident in the Canary Islands and are in contact with the local authorities."
Emergency responders including firefighters, police, the Spanish Red Cross, and multiple ambulances attended the scene. An air ambulance was also deployed to transport critically injured patients. Two men, aged 73 and 42, who suffered traumatic injuries were initially taken to Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Hospital in San Sebastian de La Gomera before being transferred by helicopter to hospitals in Tenerife for specialized care.
Government Response and Support
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her condolences regarding what she described as a "tragic" incident. In a post on social media platform X, she stated: "My thoughts are with those affected by the tragic incident involving a bus carrying British holidaymakers in the Canary Islands. We are in touch with the local authorities & ready to support Brits & their families."
The Foreign Office has provided contact numbers for affected families: +44 20 7008 5000 or +34 928 262 508. The Canary Islands government activated a state of alert at 2pm in response to the crash, and president Fernando Clavijo posted on X to express support for the victims and their families.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
In addition to the four seriously injured individuals, twenty-three other passengers sustained minor injuries in the crash. All injured tourists received medical attention, with the most severe cases being transported to hospitals for treatment. The bus driver was also among those treated by emergency responders at the scene.
The incident has highlighted the dangers of mountain roads in the Canary Islands, particularly on La Gomera where winding roads with sharp bends are common. The GM-2 road where the crash occurred is known for its challenging terrain and scenic views that attract tourists exploring the island.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driver circumstances. The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with tourist transportation in mountainous regions, particularly during peak holiday seasons when roads are busy with visitors.
