Authorities are continuing their investigation into a bus crash on the Canary Island of La Gomera that killed a 77-year-old British tourist and injured 27 others, including three children. The bus, carrying British passengers, collided with a Toyota pick-up truck before falling an estimated 65 feet down a mountainside on Friday afternoon.
Another British survivor has been released from hospital, leaving two passengers and the driver still receiving treatment on the neighbouring island of Tenerife. The Canarian Government's Ministry of Health reported that one of the three remaining patients is showing positive signs of recovery, while the other two remain in a stable but serious condition.
The bus remains on the mountainside below the GM-2 road, and the Toyota was removed from the scene on a low loader. Juan Luis Navarro, the Spanish central government's representative on the island, stated that the bus's owners, La Gomera Tours, are making arrangements to move the vehicle.
Britain's ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, thanked Mr Navarro, Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo, and emergency workers for their support. Police are interviewing passengers but have not yet been able to question the driver due to his serious condition. They are also analysing the bus's tachograph to determine its speed at the time of the crash, following reports the driver had brake problems.
Mr Navarro said the driver, reportedly aged 63, may have tried to stop the vehicle by hitting two palm trees near the cliff edge. He added that the investigation may be completed later this week, but warned that not all passengers are able to cooperate fully. The widow of the deceased man is receiving psychological support; she discovered her husband's death after being taken to hospital.
Survivors are making new arrangements to return to Britain, with some being supported at the Bancal Hotel & Spa by British consulate officials. One survivor described the experience as terrifying, saying they thought they would all die. Another passenger said it was a miracle they survived, adding that the deceased man's wife is distraught.
