British Man, 77, Dies in Canary Islands Bus Accident
A 77-year-old British man has succumbed to injuries following a collision involving a tourist bus on La Gomera, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. The incident resulted in 27 others being hospitalized, as reported by El Mundo. The bus was en route to the San Sebastián de La Gomera dock, where a ferry to Tenerife was planned, when it veered off the road and plunged into a ravine.
Victims and Injuries
Emergency services confirmed 28 individuals were on board the vehicle, comprising 27 British tourists and a single driver. All 27 injured were initially treated at Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, situated on the island’s eastern coast. By Friday evening, 21 had been released, while three remained under medical monitoring. Three critically wounded were transferred to Tenerife for specialized care, according to hospital officials.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident involving British holidaymakers,” stated Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on X. “We are coordinating with local authorities and prepared to assist Brits and their families.”
Crash Details
The accident occurred at 13:16 local time (13:16 BST), as per 112 Canarias. The bus was traversing the GM-2 road when it left the track and descended a 10-meter slope. The route is characterized by its winding, mountainous terrain, with an image from emergency services suggesting the crash happened near a hairpin turn.
Emergency Response
Upon the crash, emergency teams mobilized resources including three helicopters and five ambulances to the site. Héctor Cabrera, head of emergency operations in La Gomera, disclosed to public broadcaster TVE that the passengers had been staying at a resort on the island. Earlier, 112 Canarias mentioned that two patients—a 73-year-old man and a 42-year-old man, both with severe injuries—were evacuated by helicopter to Tenerife.
Support and Statements
President Fernando Clavijo of the Canary Islands extended his condolences to the victims and their families. La Gomera, the second smallest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a short 50-minute ferry ride from Tenerife, the largest island. Known for its volcanic landscapes, the island attracts many hikers with its well-marked trails. The Canary Islands Tourism Observatory reported that around 3.83 million British visitors traveled to the region in 2025, with approximately 70,000 opting for La Gomera as their destination.
