Lorry Overturns on TF-2, Causing Seven-Hour Traffic Jam in Tenerife

A lorry overturned early yesterday morning on the TF-2 motorway, leading to severe traffic delays that lasted for an astonishing seven hours at one of Tenerife’s busiest road junctions. The incident not only disrupted the flow of traffic but also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by commuters on this critical transport route.

Details of the Incident

The accident occurred just before 7:30 am on Monday, with the first report received by the Canary Islands Emergency Services (112) at 7:22 am. Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that the lorry overturned in a particularly congested area, causing immediate chaos as vehicles were unable to navigate around the wreckage. Major congestion continued throughout the morning and into the afternoon, with queues still reported at 2:30 pm, indicating the scale of the disruption.

Videos and images shared on social media platforms depicted a large crane being deployed to lift the overturned truck, a process that took considerable time and effort. Further delays were exacerbated by the need to recover the spilled cargo, which had spread across the road surface, complicating the recovery efforts and prolonging the traffic nightmare for many drivers.

Response and Casualties

In response to the incident, firefighters quickly arrived on the scene to secure the vehicle and assist the driver, who had become trapped inside the cab. Their prompt actions were crucial in ensuring the driver’s safety. He was assessed by medical staff from the Canarian Emergency Service (SUC) and subsequently transported by ambulance to the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC) with moderate injuries, including multiple bruises. Fortunately, there were no other reported casualties, but the incident raised concerns about road safety and the potential for more serious accidents in the future.

The crash added to the already notorious congestion problems faced daily by commuters and residents on the island’s main road network. Many drivers expressed frustration over the delays, with some taking to social media to share their experiences and seek alternative routes. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in the transport infrastructure, particularly during peak travel times.

Impact on Traffic

This section of the TF-2 motorway is one of the island’s most important transport routes, making the consequences of the accident widespread for local traffic. The TF-2 connects various key areas of Tenerife, and any disruption can lead to significant ripple effects throughout the region. Authorities are actively working to normalize the situation, but the aftermath of the incident may continue to pose challenges for commuters in the days to come.

Local traffic authorities have indicated that they are reviewing traffic management strategies to mitigate similar incidents in the future. The need for improved safety measures and better response protocols has become increasingly apparent, particularly in light of this recent accident. As the island continues to grow in population and tourism, addressing these issues will be crucial for maintaining efficient transportation.

Key Points

• A lorry overturned on the TF-2 motorway in Tenerife early Monday morning.
• The accident caused severe traffic delays lasting seven hours.
• The incident was first reported at 7:22 am, with congestion persisting until 2:30 pm.
• The driver was rescued and taken to the University Hospital of the Canary Islands with moderate injuries.
• Efforts to recover the spilled cargo contributed to further delays.
• The crash exacerbated existing congestion problems on the island’s main road network.