La Gomera Bus Crash Investigation Progresses as Brit Tourist Dies in Tragic Accident
A 77-year-old British tourist has tragically died following a horrific bus crash on the Spanish island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, has left two British passengers and the local driver in hospital, with all other survivors now released and attempting to make arrangements to return home to the United Kingdom.
Current Status of Hospitalised Victims
The Canarian Government's Ministry of Health has provided an update on the three individuals who remain under medical care on the neighbouring island of Tenerife, where they were airlifted after the accident. Authorities have confirmed that one patient is showing positive signs of recovery, while the other two remain in a stable but serious condition. This brings the total number of injured to 27 people, including three children who were among those affected by the devastating crash.
Crash Scene and Vehicle Removal
The bus involved in the accident remains on the mountainside below the GM-2 road, where it fell approximately 65 feet into rocks and shrubbery after colliding with a Toyota pick-up truck at around 1:15 pm on Friday. Today, the Toyota vehicle was removed from the scene using a low-loader, but arrangements to move the bus itself are still being made by the bus owners, La Gomera Tours.
Juan Luis Navarro, the Spanish central government's representative on the island, has revealed that police believe the 63-year-old driver attempted to stop the vehicle by trying to hit two palm trees near the edge of the cliff before the coach fell off the end of the gravel track near the road.
Ongoing Investigation Details
Police are continuing their investigation into the crash, conducting interviews with the British passengers who were all on board at the time of the incident. However, they have not yet been able to question the driver due to his serious medical condition. Investigators are analysing the bus tachograph to determine vital information, including the vehicle's speed at the time of the crash.
This analysis follows reports that the driver realised he had a problem with his brakes just before the accident occurred. Mr Navarro has cautioned that the investigation requires patience, noting that not all passengers are in the same position to cooperate fully with authorities. He hopes the investigation may be completed later this week.
International Response and Support
Britain's ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, has publicly thanked Spanish officials for their assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the crash. In a message posted on social media platform X, he expressed gratitude to Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo, Island Director Juan Luis Navarro, emergency services, and consular colleagues for their continued and exemplary support for the British nationals involved in the accident.
Survivors of the crash are currently being supported at the island's Bancal Hotel & Spa by British consulate officials and representatives from Holiday Property Bond, the firm that manages the apartments where they had been staying. The ongoing investigation and limited availability of flights back to the UK from Tenerife have complicated their return plans.
Survivor Accounts and Emotional Impact
Survivors have described terrifying experiences during the crash, with one passenger telling a fellow hotel guest: "We thought we were all going to die. It was terrifying." Another remarked: "It is a miracle we survived. It was awful the man died. His wife is distraught."
An elderly British couple, who wished to remain anonymous, reportedly described the crash as resembling "something out of a horror movie," noting that time seemed to slow down as they went "head over heels twice." Despite wearing seatbelts, they found themselves hanging from their seats when the bus finally came to a stop, feeling fortunate to escape with only bruises.
Tragically, the widow of the deceased 77-year-old British tourist only discovered her husband had died when informed by doctors after being taken to hospital, where she had asked: "Where is my husband?" She has since been receiving expert psychological support to help her cope with her devastating loss.
Transport Federation Response
José Ángel Hernández, General Secretary of the Canary Islands Transport Federation, has expressed his "absolute dismay" at the tragedy. In an interview, he described the incident as an "unfortunate event" and urged for "caution" while the Civil Guard investigation proceeds.
Mr Hernandez stated that regardless of whether protocols were followed or fault is determined, such misfortunes profoundly affect the transport sector, which prioritises passenger safety and peace of mind. He noted that initial examination suggests potential brake failure may have prevented the driver from controlling the vehicle, while emphasising that bus transport remains statistically one of the safest modes of transportation.
