Heavy rainfall triggered a dangerous situation in Tenerife as rocks crashed into vehicles on a hazardous stretch of the TF-82 route, causing significant damage. Startling images captured the aftermath, showing two cars wrecked on the cliffside road connecting Tamaimo and Santiago del Teide on the Spanish island.
Despite the severity of the collision, the drivers involved narrowly escaped disaster, avoiding any injuries. One car’s rear end was completely flattened, while a second vehicle sustained damage to the front, with a large boulder resting on its hood near the right headlight.
Photographs also depicted debris scattered across the road, making it impassable and highlighting the size of the rocks involved. Emilio Navarro, the mayor of Santiago del Teide, expressed frustration on social media, emphasizing that repeated warnings about the route’s dangers had been ignored.
Authorities, including police and maintenance crews from the Cabildo (Island Council of Tenerife), swiftly responded to the incident for cleanup operations. The TF-82 route, known for its high-risk nature, has experienced similar incidents in the past, leading to temporary closures.
In a separate incident last April, a landslide in Tenerife’s north-east forced the evacuation of fifteen locals after a large rock fell onto a property in La Laguna. The incident occurred along the TF-13 road, prompting police and other agencies to manage the situation and warn of traffic delays.
Landslides are a serious concern, caused by natural events or human activities, according to the World Health Organization. Tenerife, a popular holiday spot for Brits, attracted nearly 18 million visitors in 2024, with British tourists accounting for a significant portion of international arrivals.
Among the Canary Islands, Tenerife emerged as the top choice for tourists, drawing millions of visitors annually. Despite its appeal, recent incidents highlight the ongoing challenges posed by natural hazards in the region.