British Tourists Injured in Canary Islands Bus Crash: One Dead, 27 Hospitalised
A tragic bus accident on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands has left one man dead and 27 people injured, with British passengers among those affected. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, prompting a large-scale emergency response from local authorities.
Details of the Accident
The crash took place at approximately 1:15 PM local time on the GM-2 highway, close to the town of San Sebastián de La Gomera. According to officials, the vehicle veered into a ravine while transporting a tour group for a boat excursion. Initial reports indicate that the bus was carrying 28 occupants, including 27 British tourists and the driver.
Emergency health services swiftly attended to the scene, providing medical assistance to all individuals involved. Tragically, one man lost his life in the accident. Of the 27 injured, three were reported to be in serious condition, with the remaining victims sustaining injuries of varying severity.
Response and Investigation
Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Canary Islands, expressed his support for the victims and their families, stating that he was closely monitoring the situation and the efforts of emergency teams. The British embassy in Madrid also issued a statement, offering condolences and confirming that they are in contact with local authorities to provide support to British nationals affected by the crash.
Spanish police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, though no specific details have been released at this time. This incident follows a previous traffic accident on the same road last year, which resulted in one fatality and 10 injuries, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the area.
Medical Treatment and Aftermath
The injured passengers were transported to medical facilities for treatment. The most seriously injured individual was transferred to a hospital on the neighbouring island of Tenerife, while the others received care at the Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe on La Gomera. It is understood that there were 25 adults on board, including the driver, and three children among the passengers.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper extended her thoughts to those impacted by the crash, emphasising that the Foreign Office is prepared to assist the British tourists and their families during this difficult time. The local community and emergency services continue to work together to manage the aftermath of this devastating event.
