A 77-year-old British man has been confirmed dead and dozens more injured after a tourist bus careened off a mountainous road and plunged into a ravine on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon as the group was traveling along the GM-2 road toward the San Sebastián dock to catch a ferry to Tenerife. According to local emergency services (112 Canarias), the bus fell approximately 10 meters (33 feet) down a steep slope after failing to navigate a sharp bend in the mountainous terrain.
Emergency Response and Casualties
The bus was carrying 28 people at the time of the crash, including 27 British holidaymakers and one driver.
- Fatalities: One 77-year-old British national died at the scene.
- Injuries: All 27 other passengers sustained injuries. While the majority have since been discharged from Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, three remain under observation.
- Critical Transfers: Three individuals with serious “multiple trauma” injuries—including a 73-year-old man and a 42-year-old man—were airlifted by helicopter to specialized hospitals in Tenerife.
Official Reactions
The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular support to the family of the deceased and remains in close contact with Spanish authorities.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her condolences on Friday, stating:
”My thoughts are with those affected by the tragic incident involving a bus carrying British holidaymakers. We are in touch with the local authorities and ready to support Brits and their families.”
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, also offered his support to the victims, acknowledging the massive emergency deployment which included three helicopters and five ambulances.
Context: A Popular but Rugged Destination
La Gomera, the second smallest of the Canary Islands, is world-renowned for its volcanic trails and hiking routes. It is a major destination for British tourists, with nearly 70,000 visiting the island in 2025 alone.
The GM-2 road where the accident occurred is notorious for its hairpin turns and steep drops. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash to determine if mechanical failure or road conditions played a role in the tragedy.
For British nationals seeking assistance or information regarding family members involved, the Foreign Office has urged them to use official contact channels for urgent support.
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