British tourist killed and 27 injured as coach full of holidaymakers plunges into a ravine in the Canary Islands
A serious road accident in La Gomera has left a British holidaymaker dead and 27 others injured, three of them critically, after a coach full of British tourists veered off the road and plunged down a ravine earlier this afternoon (Friday).
The crash happened on the GM-2 road near San Sebastián, a key road linking the island’s capital with the Garajonay National Park. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 1:15pm via the Canary Islands’ 112 emergency coordination centre (CECOES).
Early reports suggest the driver lost control of the bus due to brake failure at a dangerous section of the road, causing it to leave the carriageway and fall down an embankment.
The scale of the incident triggered a major emergency operation. Rescue helicopters were dispatched, along with an air ambulance to transfer the most seriously injured to hospital.
On the ground, several ambulances — including advanced life support units — have been treating victims, carrying out triage and stabilisation at the scene. Rescue efforts have been complicated by the rugged terrain, with teams working to secure the vehicle and prevent further movement.
Personnel from Civil Protection, the Cabildo’s environmental services, and volunteer firefighters have all been involved in the operation.
Passengers trapped inside wreckage
The coach, which was operating as a tourist transport service, was carrying a group of holidaymakers at the time of the accident. Several people became trapped inside the vehicle following the crash.
Officials have confirmed that the coach was carrying 28 British tourists, including three children, and a driver at the time of the crash. The Guardia Civil sealed off the area to allow helicopters to land and to ensure the safety of emergency crews.
Local Police and Guardia Civil officers have been managing traffic in the area throughout the afternoon as emergency services continue their work.
A full investigation has been launched by the Guardia Civil, although it is too early to confirm the exact cause of the crash. They are gathering witness statements from passengers with minor injuries and examining skid marks and road conditions.
Casualties and hospital transfers
Medical teams remain at the scene, while those with serious or uncertain conditions have been taken to the island’s main hospital. Some patients may be transferred to hospitals in Tenerife depending on how their condition develops.
This is already being described as one of the most serious road accidents on the island so far this year.
The situation is still developing, with authorities expected to release further updates, including confirmation of the victim’s identity and a full medical report on the injured, in the coming hours.
