Canary Islands Bus Crash: British Pensioner Killed, Dozens Injured
A tourist coach plunged into a ravine on La Gomera on Friday, killing a 77-year-old British man. Authorities said 27 others were injured and taken to hospital.
What happened
The crash occurred at about 1:15pm on the GM-2 highway near San Sebastián de La Gomera. Emergency teams included firefighters, police, the Spanish Red Cross and ambulances, including an air ambulance.
All 28 people on board, including the driver, were transported to hospital. A state of emergency was declared on the island after the incident.
Casualties and condition of the injured
The deceased has been confirmed as a British national, aged 77. Officials said he was believed to be travelling with his wife, who remained hospitalised.
Three patients suffered serious injuries. They include a 73-year-old man and a 42-year-old man, both moved to Tenerife for treatment.
Authorities later reported that all but six people had been discharged. Of the remaining six, one was in serious but stable condition, two were stable, and three were expected to be discharged the following day.
Circumstances and investigation
Police opened an inquiry into whether brake failure caused the coach to leave the road. Officials said the driver had noticed a braking issue and may have tried to control the vehicle.
Island director Juan Luis Navarro said the bus rolled down the slope. Emergency chief Héctor Cabrera said the passengers had been staying at a resort on La Gomera.
Removal of the vehicle from the ravine was expected to take place the next day.
Context and location
La Gomera is a small, mountainous island west of Tenerife with about 23,000 residents. It lacks an international airport and draws many hikers, especially from Britain and Germany.
The group were reportedly en route to the San Sebastián de La Gomera dock to catch a ferry to Tenerife. They planned to fly home from there.
Official response
Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo expressed solidarity with victims and families on social media. The British government confirmed consular support for the bereaved family.
A foreign office spokesperson said they were in contact with local authorities. Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said the government stood ready to assist British nationals and relatives.
Filmogaz.com will update this report as investigators release new information about the Canary Islands bus crash and ongoing inquiries. The incident left a British pensioner killed and dozens injured, officials said.
