A tragic incident occurred today in the Canary Islands as a bus carrying British tourists veered off the GM-2 road on La Gomera and crashed into a ravine. Regrettably, one British man, aged 77, lost his life in the accident, while four others sustained serious injuries.
The injured individuals, totaling 27, were promptly taken to the Hospital Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe for medical attention. Among them, a 73-year-old man and a 42-year-old man were later airlifted to hospitals in Tenerife for further treatment.
La Gomera, the second smallest Canary Island, is known for its picturesque volcanic mountains and hiking trails, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Contrary to initial reports, officials revealed that four individuals were seriously injured in the bus crash. Two of the severely injured passengers were transferred to hospitals in Tenerife for specialized care.
The deceased victim of the tragic bus crash has been identified as a British national, aged 77, according to a statement from a Civil Guard spokesman. Unfortunately, details regarding the injured British passengers, including three children, remain undisclosed.
Gomera Tours, the bus operator involved in the accident, emphasized that all their vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained. They expressed unawareness of any prior incidents or complaints related to the road stretch where the accident occurred, which has witnessed two fatal bus accidents within a year.
The bus, carrying 24 adults, three children, and the driver, had departed from El Balcon de Santa Ana in Playa de Santiago, where the tourists were staying. The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, extended his support to the victims and their families in the wake of the tragic event.
According to the bus driver, the accident was caused by brake failure while descending a hill, prompting him to steer the vehicle onto a dirt track in an attempt to halt its momentum.
Local officials confirmed that all 28 occupants of the bus, comprising 27 British tourists and the driver, received immediate medical attention. Tragically, one man lost his life, and 27 others sustained injuries of varying severity, with three classified as serious cases.
Emergency services and healthcare personnel swiftly responded to the scene of the crash, and local authorities declared a state of alert following the multi-casualty accident in La Gomera.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the bus crash, our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this challenging time.
