A 77-year-old British man has died and 27 others were injured after a tourist bus plunged into a ravine in La Gomera, Canary Islands, on Friday. The deceased, who has not yet been named, was reportedly travelling with his wife, who remains in hospital.
The crash occurred at around 1:15pm on the GM-2 highway near San Sebastian de La Gomera. All 28 people on board, including the driver, were taken to hospital. Three people suffered serious injuries, including a 73-year-old man and a 42-year-old man, who were transferred to a hospital in Tenerife.
Authorities are investigating whether a brake failure caused the accident. Police suggested the driver may have attempted to “fight” a braking issue before the vehicle left the road and rolled down a slope. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and the Spanish Red Cross, responded to the scene.
The bus was carrying British tourists who were en route to the San Sebastián de La Gomera dock to catch a ferry to Tenerife for their return flight to the UK. All but six passengers have been discharged from hospital, with one remaining in a serious but stable condition.
The British government confirmed it is supporting the family of the deceased. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her thoughts for those affected and said the UK is in contact with local authorities to assist Britons and their families.
