Tragic Bus Crash in Canary Islands Claims Life of British Pensioner
A devastating bus accident in the Canary Islands has resulted in the death of a 77-year-old British man and left 27 people injured, with three individuals suffering serious injuries. The tragic incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a tourist bus carrying British holidaymakers plunged into a ravine on the island of La Gomera.
Emergency Response and Victim Details
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 1:15pm local time after the bus fell from the GM-2 highway near San Sebastian de La Gomera. A comprehensive rescue operation was swiftly launched, involving firefighters, police officers, the Spanish Red Cross, and multiple ambulances, including an air ambulance. All 28 people on board, comprising 27 passengers and the driver, were transported to hospital for medical treatment.
The deceased man, who has not yet been publicly identified, was confirmed to be a British national by government officials. It is understood he was traveling with his wife, who remained hospitalized on Friday evening. Among the seriously injured are a 73-year-old man and a 42-year-old man, both of whom were transferred to a hospital in Tenerife for specialized care.
Investigation into the Cause of the Accident
Authorities are actively investigating the precise cause of the crash, with initial police reports suggesting a potential brake failure. According to officials, the driver may have noticed an issue with the braking system and attempted to "fight" the problem before the vehicle left the road and rolled down a slope.
Juan Luis Navarro, the island director of the general state administration, provided some relief by noting that the bus stopped before being completely thrown off the road, potentially preventing an even more catastrophic outcome. The vehicle is expected to be recovered from the ravine on Saturday as part of the ongoing investigation.
Profile of the Victims and Location
All 27 passengers on the bus were British tourists visiting the Canary Islands. They were reportedly en route to the San Sebastián de La Gomera dock, where they planned to take a ferry to Tenerife before flying back to the United Kingdom. While everyone on board was initially hospitalized, authorities have confirmed that all but six individuals have since been discharged.
Of those remaining in care, one person is in a serious but stable condition, two are in stable condition, and three others are anticipated to be released on Saturday. Héctor Cabrera, head of emergency operations on the island, indicated that the passengers had been staying at a resort on La Gomera, which is known as a small, mountainous island popular with hikers, particularly from Britain and Germany.
Official Reactions and Support
In the wake of the tragedy, Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands, expressed his support for the victims and their families through a social media post. The British government has also confirmed its involvement, with a Foreign Office spokesperson stating that they are providing assistance to the family of the deceased man and are in contact with local authorities.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that her thoughts are with those affected by the incident and reaffirming the government's readiness to support British citizens and their families during this difficult time.
