Another survivor from the tragic bus accident on La Gomera has been discharged from the hospital, according to authorities. Currently, only two passengers and the driver are still receiving medical care in Tenerife after the incident, which 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 of the remaining hospitalized patients is showing signs of improvement, while the other two remain in stable but serious condition.
The bus remains at the mountainside below the GM-2 road where it fell following a collision with a Toyota pick-up truck, plummeting approximately 65 feet onto rocks and shrubbery. The Toyota has been removed from the scene. The bus operators, La Gomera Tours, are working on arrangements to relocate the bus, as acknowledged by Juan Luis Navarro, the Spanish central government’s representative on the island. British ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, expressed gratitude to the officials involved in assisting with the aftermath of the crash.
Authorities are conducting interviews with the bus passengers, all of whom are British. The driver, in serious condition, has not been questioned yet. Investigators are examining the bus tachograph for crucial information, including its speed prior to the collision. There are reports indicating the driver may have experienced brake issues before the crash.
Mr. Navarro suggested that the driver, aged 63, tried to stop the bus by aiming for two palm trees near the cliff’s edge, but the bus ultimately went off the gravel track near the road. The investigation is ongoing with the hope of concluding soon as the police continue to collect statements. Some passengers are still recovering emotionally from the traumatic experience, with efforts being made to help them make new travel arrangements back to the UK.
Survivors recount their harrowing experience, describing it as a near-death encounter. An elderly couple shared their terrifying ordeal, likening it to a scene from a horror movie, emphasizing the miraculous nature of their survival. Amidst the ongoing investigation, transport authorities stress the importance of caution and safety measures in bus operations to prevent such tragedies.
Jose Angel Hernandez of the Canary Islands Transport Federation expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged for vigilance during the investigative process. Initial findings suggest a potential brake failure may have contributed to the accident, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety standards in public transportation. Hernández emphasized the rarity of such accidents in bus transport and underscored the sector’s commitment to passenger safety despite the occasional unfortunate events.