One dead and several injured in tragic car and bus crash in Gran Canaria
A man who died in a head-on collision between a car and a bus today (Thursday) has been identified as Fermín Carlos V.R., a former National Police officer who was previously convicted of drug trafficking. The crash happened just after 12 pm on the GC-500 road near Juan Grande, leaving one dead, two people seriously injured and around ten more with moderate injuries.
Fermín Carlos V.R., the sole occupant of the Mercedes car, was travelling south when he crossed into the opposite lane and collided front-laterally with the bus, which was heading north with 24 passengers on board. The impact left the vehicle severely damaged, and the bus was blocking the road.
The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. According to the traffic division, the collision occurred on a long, straight stretch of road with clear visibility. Investigators are examining several possible causes, including driver distraction, excessive speed, or an improper manoeuvre. Sources have also indicated that the possibility of the crash being intentional has not been ruled out.
The driver of the bus sustained serious multiple injuries and was taken by ambulance to Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria. Another passenger suffered a severe head injury and was transferred to Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín. Five passengers with moderate injuries were taken to Hospital Universitario San Roque in Maspalomas, three to Hospiten Roca, and two more to the Insular Hospital. Four other passengers were treated at the roadside and did not require hospitalisation.
The bus company Global activated its emergency protocol immediately, offering support to passengers and authorities. “All available resources have been made available to assist the investigation,” the company confirmed.
Fermín Carlos V.R. was a former National Police officer stationed in Maspalomas. He was arrested in 2020 for collaborating with drug trafficking networks moving large shipments of hashish and cocaine into the Canary Islands, and in 2023 accepted a five-year prison sentence and a €3.2 million fine.
Authorities have not clarified why he was out and driving despite that sentence, but the legal circumstances surrounding his status are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.
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