Another survivor from the British group involved in the tragic bus accident on La Gomera has been discharged from the hospital, as confirmed by authorities. Currently, only two passengers and the driver are receiving medical care in Tenerife after being airlifted following the collision that resulted in the death of a British citizen and injuries to 27 others, including three children. The Canarian Government’s Ministry of Health reported that one patient is showing signs of improvement, while the other two remain in stable but serious conditions.
The bus remains at the site where it tumbled down a mountainside after crashing into a Toyota pick-up truck and plunging approximately 65 feet onto rocks and shrubs below. The Toyota has been removed from the location. Juan Luis Navarro, the Spanish official representing the central government on the island, mentioned that efforts are underway to relocate the bus by its owners, La Gomera Tours. British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, expressed his gratitude to officials and emergency personnel for their assistance in managing the aftermath of the incident.
Authorities are conducting interviews with the bus passengers, all of whom are British. However, the driver, in a serious condition, has not been questioned yet. Investigators are analyzing the bus tachograph to determine crucial details such as the speed before the crash, following reports of brake issues. Navarro suggested that the driver, aged 63, may have attempted to stop the bus by hitting palm trees, leading to the vehicle falling off the cliff’s edge.
Survivors, who were en route to the port for their journey back to the UK, are now making alternative travel arrangements. Limited flight availability from Tenerife has complicated their return plans. One survivor described the experience as terrifying, while another expressed relief at surviving the ordeal. An elderly couple likened the crash to a horror movie, recounting their ordeal of being tossed around inside the bus.
José Ángel Hernández, General Secretary of the Canary Islands Transport Federation, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the importance of caution during the ongoing investigation. He stressed the sector’s commitment to passenger safety and highlighted the rarity of such accidents in bus transportation. Hernández cited a possible brake failure as a contributing factor and underscored the industry’s dedication to ensuring passenger well-being.
