Tragedy in the Canary Islands: British Man Killed in Tourist Bus Accident
A 77-year-old British man lost his life when a tourist bus overturned in a ravine on La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands’ archipelagos. The crash occurred as the group traveled to San Sebastián de La Gomera dock, where they were set to board a ferry for Tenerife, according to Spanish outlet El Mundo.
The bus, carrying 28 people, included 27 British tourists and the driver. Emergency services in the Canary Islands, via a post on X, stated that the accident involved multiple injuries. A Foreign Office spokesperson expressed condolences on behalf of the family of the deceased, confirming the support provided to affected families.
Aftermath and Medical Response
Following the incident, 21 injured individuals were released from Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, located on the island’s eastern side. Three remained for monitoring, while three with severe injuries were relocated to Tenerife hospitals. Earlier reports indicated two patients, a 73-year-old and a 42-year-old man, both suffering critical injuries, were transported by helicopter to Tenerife.
“My thoughts are with those affected by the tragic incident involving a bus carrying British holidaymakers,” said Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in a post on X. She added, “We are in touch with local authorities and ready to support Brits and their families,” sharing contact details for the Foreign Office.
La Gomera, the second smallest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is renowned for its hiking trails and volcanic landscapes. The island is approximately 50 minutes from Tenerife by ferry, making it a favored destination for British travelers. According to the Canary Islands Tourism Observatory, around 3.83 million visitors arrived in 2025, with approximately 70,000 heading to La Gomera.
Emergency operations head Héctor Cabrera revealed that the bus was traveling on the GM-2 road, which features steep drops and tight curves. The crash took place near a hairpin bend, with the vehicle falling about 10 meters. Rescue teams deployed three helicopters and five ambulances to manage the scene, as reported by local authorities.
