One dead after bus carrying British tourists crashes in Canary Islands, officials say
One dead after bus carrying British tourists crashes in Canary Islands, officials say
Emergency crews confirmed the death of a man and the injury of 27 others following a bus accident in La Gomera, part of the Canary Islands. The incident occurred when the vehicle plunged into a ravine, according to local authorities.
El Mundo reported that the group was en route to San Sebastián de La Gomera dock, where they planned to board a ferry to Tenerife. The bus had 28 passengers on board, comprising 27 British tourists and the driver, as stated by 112 Canarias in a social media update.
“The bus passengers were staying at a resort on the island,” said Héctor Cabrera, head of emergency operations in La Gomera, during a broadcast on TVE.
The injured were transported to Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, located on the island’s eastern side. However, two individuals with severe injuries were later moved via helicopter to hospitals in Tenerife, the neighboring island. Four others, including the deceased, were initially taken there, the statement noted.
Emergency services received the call at 13:16 local time (13:16 BST) reporting that the bus had veered off the road and descended a slope. The crash took place on the GM-2 route, which is described as a challenging path with steep inclines and sharp bends. El Mundo noted the vehicle fell from approximately 10 meters.
Three helicopters and five ambulances were dispatched to the scene, 112 Canarias confirmed. The Canary Islands’ tourism authority reported that around 3.83 million Brits visited the region in 2025, with approximately 70,000 choosing La Gomera. As the second smallest of the Canary Islands, La Gomera is accessible by ferry from Tenerife in about 50 minutes and is renowned for its hiking trails through volcanic landscapes.
President Fernando Clavijo expressed his condolences, offering support to the victims and their families. The incident has highlighted the risks of travel on the island’s winding roads, which attract visitors for their natural beauty and outdoor activities.
