Multiple accidents on the GC-1 highway caused chaotic traffic disruptions on Wednesday, leading to significant delays for drivers throughout Gran Canaria. The first incident occurred around 6:18 AM near Las Huesas, where a vehicle overturned, resulting in moderate injuries to the 39-year-old female driver.
The overturned car, which came to rest across the central lane, effectively blocked the thoroughfare and significantly impeded traffic flow not only on the GC-1 but also affected the GC-3 and GC-4 highways, creating cascading congestion throughout Telde and beyond. Witnesses reported seeing many frustrated drivers exiting their vehicles, opting to walk on the side of the road as they awaited the situation to normalize.
According to the Coordinated Emergency and Security Center (CECOES), emergency services responded rapidly to the scene. An ambulance from the Canary Island's Emergency Service (SUC) provided initial medical care to the injured woman before transporting her to the Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria. While firefighters and road service personnel worked diligently to clear the roadway, the traffic jams continued to worsen.
Traffic on the GC-1 remained severely affected for over five hours, with significant backups reported as far away as Arucas. By 11 AM, authorities were able to partially restore traffic flow, but not before the congestion had seriously inconvenienced countless morning commuters.
This morning's incidents also sparked warnings from authorities urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads. They recommended alternative routes to help mitigate the extensive delays and to keep emergency lanes clear for rapid response vehicles. The public was reminded to heed traffic advisories and maintain backup plans when faced with unforeseeable accidents.
Reports suggest the chaos began shortly after the primary accident, with subsequent collisions adding to the backlog. The most serious of these secondary incidents occurred at around 6:30 AM near Salinetas, also attributing to the traffic standstill. The local civil guard took charge of the investigations, noting the vehicular movement's depth and complexity magnified due to reduced space on the road.
Aside from the injury reported from the initial rollover accident, no other major injuries have been communicated, offering some relief amid the stressful situation.
Authorities are actively monitoring road conditions and advising upcoming motorists to stay alert and prepared for potential delays as clean-up and investigations continue. Their preferred approach for the traffic has been caution and proactive management to prevent future incidents.
The aftermath of multiple accidents today serves as both a reminder of the unpredictability of road travel and the importance of attentiveness behind the wheel. Comprehensively, the fender-benders have spotlighted issues of traffic safety, reinforcing the need for consistent vigilance during daily commutes across Gran Canaria's extensive highway network.