One dead after bus carrying British tourists crashes in Canary Islands, officials say

One Dead After Bus Accident in Canary Islands

Emergency responders confirmed a fatal incident involving a bus that transported British tourists to La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands’ lesser-known islands. The accident occurred when the vehicle veered off a cliff, dropping approximately 10 meters near the village of San Sebastián de La Gomera, as reported by Spanish outlet El Mundo.

At the time of the crash, 28 individuals were on board, including 27 British visitors and the bus driver. Of those, 27 sustained injuries, with three requiring urgent medical attention. Most of the injured were transported to Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, located on the island’s eastern side. Two critically hurt passengers were evacuated via helicopter to hospitals in Tenerife, the neighboring island, according to the regional emergency services.

The incident took place on the GM-2 road, a winding route through the island’s rugged terrain. A photograph released by authorities appears to capture the bus overturning near a sharp, hairpin turn. The road’s steep inclines and narrow paths likely contributed to the severity of the accident, as noted by officials. A medical helicopter and five ambulances were dispatched to the scene to assist with the rescue efforts.

Official Statements on the Crash

“The bus passengers were staying at a resort on the island,” explained Héctor Cabrera, head of emergency operations in La Gomera. The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, extended his condolences, stating, “I offer my support to the victims and their families.”

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but the location and road conditions have raised concerns about safety measures in mountainous regions. Officials are reviewing the incident to determine if any preventive actions could have been taken to avoid such a tragedy.