Tourist bus crash leaves one dead and 20 injured when vehicle plunges into ravine on Canary Islands
One person died and at least 20 people were injured when a tourist bus crashed into a valley on a popular island in the Canary Islands.
While the accident occurred around 13.30, emergency service teams, including helicopters, were at the scene.
Most of the passengers were trapped and had to be freed by the fire brigade, who secured the bus to prevent it from falling off the cliff.
According to the information obtained, some of the injured are in serious condition.
While crossing the mountains, the bus ended up on the picturesque island of La Gomera, where the road network is very narrow and high.
The 112 emergency service said the accident occurred at GM-2 in San Sebastian. The crash site is located near a mountain tunnel and on a dangerous hairpin bend above rocky terrain.
It was stated that the vehicle was a tourist bus, but it is not yet known whether it was going on a trip or taking holidaymakers to their hotels. The nationalities of those involved and the extent of their injuries have not yet been disclosed.
One person was killed and up to 20 people were injured, some seriously, after a tourist bus plunged down a steep embankment on a popular island in the Canary Islands.
For an unknown reason, the bus left the road, rolled into a pole and fell on its side.
Many ambulances from the Canary Islands Emergency Service, a medical helicopter, a GES helicopter and police resources are on duty at the scene.
In the statement made by the 112 service shortly after the accident, it was confirmed that one person died, three people were seriously injured and 11 people were moderately injured. These numbers are expected to increase as more details emerge.
La Gomera is one of the most beautiful of the Canary islands but has a network of high and potentially dangerous roads.
Tourists who visit the island say that ‘it’s like holding your life in your hands’ while passing from one end of the island to the other.
San Sebastian is La Gomera’s most popular holiday destination.
According to the first information obtained, the driver of the vehicle lost control at a critical point on the road, causing the bus to cross the road and roll down the pier.
The magnitude of the accident required the immediate action of emergency equipment, unprecedented in the region.
112 Canarias deployed helicopters and an airborne medical unit from the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES) to facilitate the evacuation of the most seriously injured to various hospitals.
The orography of the terrain complicated rescue efforts, forcing the Civil Protection, Cabildo de La Gomera Circle and Volunteer Firefighters to protect the vehicle’s structure to prevent further displacement.
The Civil Guard cordoned off the area to allow air supplies to land and ensure the safety of responders.
Although the investigation by Civilian Traffic Safety teams is ongoing, it is too early to determine the exact reasons that caused the bus to leave the road.
Authorities are collecting statements from passengers in minor condition and analyzing brake marks on the asphalt.
This is breaking news, more to come.
