A British man has died and 27 people have been injured after a bus carrying British tourists crashed into a ravine on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. The incident occurred at 1.15pm local time on Friday on the GM-2 highway near San Sebastián de La Gomera.
Local officials confirmed that the bus was transporting a group of British tourists for a boat excursion. Among the 28 occupants were 27 British tourists and the driver. Three children were also on board. Four of the injured were initially reported to be in critical condition, but later updates indicated three were seriously injured.
The most seriously injured passenger was transferred to a hospital on the neighbouring island of Tenerife, while the rest were treated at Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in La Gomera. The driver's nationality has not been disclosed.
Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands, expressed his support for the victims and their families, stating he was following the emergency response closely. The British embassy in Madrid said it was in touch with local authorities and ready to support British nationals.
Spanish police have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which has not yet been established. Last year, one woman died and 10 people were injured in a traffic accident on the same road.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said her thoughts were with those affected by the “tragic” crash and that the Foreign Office was ready to support the British tourists and their families.
