British man, 77, dies after tourist bus crashes in Canary Islands
British Man Aged 77 Dies in Tourist Bus Accident on Canary Islands Island
Crash Near Hairpin Bend Leaves 27 Injured
A British man aged 77 lost his life when a tourist bus overturned in a ravine on La Gomera, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. The incident occurred as the group headed toward San Sebastián de La Gomera dock, where they were scheduled to board a ferry to Tenerife, according to El Mundo. Emergency services confirmed 28 individuals were aboard, comprising 27 British travelers and the driver, with all 27 injured initially transported to Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
Twenty-one of the victims have since been released from the hospital, as stated by the facility’s management on Friday evening. Three remain for monitoring, while three severely hurt patients were relocated to Tenerife for further care. Helicopter evacuation was required for two individuals—both men, aged 73 and 42, suffering multiple critical injuries—earlier in the day, as reported by 112 Canarias. The accident occurred on the GM-2 road, a winding path through mountainous terrain. El Mundo noted the bus fell from a height of approximately 10 meters, likely near a sharp turn.
Emergency Response and Support
Emergency operations leader Héctor Cabrera, speaking to public broadcaster TVE, revealed the passengers had been staying at a resort on the island. The incident was reported at 13:16 local time (13:16 BST), with the bus leaving the road and plunging into the ravine. Resources deployed included three helicopters and five ambulances.
“Thoughts are with those affected by the tragic incident involving a bus carrying British holidaymakers,” Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote on X. She added that the Foreign Office is coordinating with local authorities and providing contact details for assistance.
President Fernando Clavijo of the Canary Islands also expressed solidarity, stating, “Support to the victims and their families is our priority.”
La Gomera: A Hiker’s Paradise
La Gomera, the second smallest of the Canary Islands, is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and extensive hiking trails. Its proximity to Tenerife—about 50 minutes by ferry—makes it a favored destination for British tourists. The Canary Islands Tourism Observatory noted that roughly 70,000 visitors arrived on La Gomera in 2025, highlighting its appeal as a scenic getaway.
