British man, 77, dies after tourist bus crashes in Canary Islands

British Man, 77, Dies in Bus Crash on Canary Islands

A British man aged 77 has succumbed to injuries following a tourist bus accident in La Gomera, part of the Canary Islands. The incident left 27 others with wounds, as per reports from Spanish outlet El Mundo. The bus was en route to San Sebastián de La Gomera, a docking point for ferries to Tenerife, when it veered off the road and plunged into a ravine.

Details of the Accident

Emergency services confirmed that the crash occurred at 13:16 local time (13:16 BST) on the GM-2 road, which winds through mountainous terrain with steep drops. The vehicle fell from approximately 10 meters, as described by El Mundo. An image shared by responders suggests the crash happened near a sharp bend, complicating rescue efforts.

Among the 28 passengers were 27 British tourists and the bus driver. The injured were initially transported to Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, located on the island’s eastern coast. By Friday night, 21 had been released, while three remained under watch. Three critically hurt individuals were moved to Tenerife’s hospitals via helicopter, according to 112 Canarias.

“Thoughts are with those affected by the tragic incident involving a bus carrying British holidaymakers,” said Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, sharing contact details for the Foreign Office.

“Support to the victims and their families is our priority,” stated Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo.

The GM-2 road, known for its twists and inclines, became the site of the collision. Emergency teams deployed three helicopters and five ambulances to assist in the aftermath. La Gomera, the second smallest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is popular for hiking due to its volcanic landscapes and extensive trail networks. Ferry services connect it to Tenerife in about 50 minutes.

According to the Canary Islands Tourism Observatory, over 3.83 million British visitors traveled to the region in 2025, with approximately 70,000 choosing La Gomera as their destination. The accident highlights the risks of road travel in the island’s rugged terrain, despite its appeal as a serene retreat for travelers.