British Tourists Forced to Smash Through Bus Sunroof During Tenerife Flood Emergency
A British couple has shared their harrowing experience of escaping a flooded airport shuttle bus in Tenerife by using a hammer to break through the vehicle's sunroof. The incident occurred on March 24, 2026, as Storm Therese unleashed severe weather across the Canary Islands, causing widespread disruption.
Storm Therese Triggers Chaos Across Spanish Archipelago
The Canary Islands were battered earlier this month by significant wind, heavy rain, and unusual snowfall due to Storm Therese. Emergency plans were swiftly activated in response to the extreme conditions, leading to the cancellation of outdoor events and the closure of several roads. The storm's intensity created dangerous situations for residents and tourists alike, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to such weather events.
Terrifying Ordeal on Flooded Airport Shuttle
Chloe Wyman, 24, and Albert Irvin, 29, were traveling on a transport shuttle when they found themselves caught in the middle of the bad weather. Albert, a forklift driver, noticed the bus was heading toward an underpass that was clearly submerged underwater. He described the driver's decision to proceed as inexplicable, stating, "The driver went under the bridge, and it was completely flooded. For some strange reason he tried to go through it."
As muddy water rapidly rose around the bus, panic set in. Albert recalled, "Next minute my partner was screaming, and we had to get out. The driver kept trying to open the door and we told him not to as it would flood more." With time running out, Albert spotted a hammer attached to the sunroof and used it to smash through the glass, creating a vital escape route.
Dramatic Escape to Safety
Albert emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, "If we didn't find that hammer, we would have drowned. We could only stand on the roof – I don't know what would have happened." He helped Chloe escape first, followed by two other passengers. In a tense moment, when Chloe turned to assist Albert onto the roof, she fell into the water. Albert immediately jumped in after her, and the pair successfully swam to safety.
All four passengers and the driver managed to escape unharmed physically, but the emotional toll was significant. Chloe, who has pre-existing mental health issues, expressed her distress, "I'm a bit traumatised, I think. I've lost my medication, so it's hard." She added that the incident had negatively impacted their holiday, stating, "We've ended up sticking it out, but it's made the holiday a bit rubbish."
Broader Impact of Storm Therese on Tourism
This incident underscores the broader challenges faced by tourists during extreme weather events in popular destinations like the Canary Islands. Storm Therese's disruption has led to canceled flights, stranded travelers, and heightened safety concerns across the archipelago. The couple's experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and swift decision-making in life-threatening situations.
As recovery efforts continue, authorities are assessing the damage and reviewing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The bravery and quick thinking displayed by Albert and Chloe highlight the human capacity to adapt under pressure, even in the most terrifying circumstances.
