The Incident
Two men died after a wooden handrail collapsed at the Galeon Playa Apartments in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, in the early hours of October 2025. Darren Silcox, 56, and Nicholas Thomas, 54, both from Cwmbran in Wales, fell between 15 and 22 feet into an atrium stairwell at around 1:30am after a night out.
Father-of-two Mr Silcox died two hours after the fall from traumatic brain injury, skull fractures and skull lacerations. Mr Thomas was taken to Doctor Jose Molina Orosa Hospital on the island before being flown back to the UK at the end of November. He was transferred to University Hospital in Llandough but died nearly ten months later on July 10, 2026.
Investigation
Spain's Civil Guard has launched a probe into the circumstances. The police inquiry is focusing on whether poor maintenance or inadequate safety measures contributed to the accident. Emergency services were alerted at around 1:30am, and medical teams confirmed the 56-year-old man had died from his injuries.
Inquest Progress
Opening an inquest into Mr Thomas' death, Gwent coroner Rose Farmer noted the fall occurred after a wooden bannister collapsed. An earlier inquest into Mr Silcox's death had been held. The proceedings were adjourned until April 14 next year when a joint inquest is expected to be held.
