On Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025, a reckless driver operating a white BMW M2 caused a catastrophic accident on the TF-5 highway in Tacoronte, Tenerife, resulting in six injuries, one of them serious. The incident, which has since ignited outrage across Spain, was captured on video and has gone viral, drawing attention to the alarming rise in reckless driving incidents.
The BMW driver, identified as the son of a prominent local businessman, was seen zigzagging dangerously between lanes at high speeds, overtaking other vehicles with reckless abandon. Witnesses reported that he was driving aggressively, attempting to pass cars on both the left and right sides, until he collided with two vehicles, including a blue Nissan Juke, which overturned as a result of the impact.
According to emergency services, the Nissan Juke was left completely destroyed, and its driver, a 30-year-old man, suffered severe injuries, including multiple traumas. He was rushed to the Hospital Universitario de Canarias (HUC) for urgent medical treatment. Five other individuals sustained minor injuries during the crash, which required the intervention of firefighters to free three people trapped inside their vehicles.
Footage of the accident, which emerged on social media on April 20, shows the BMW swerving recklessly before the collision. The driver, unharmed, exited the vehicle after the crash, grabbed a backpack, and fled the scene without offering assistance to the injured. Witnesses expressed their outrage, with one person reportedly shouting, "You’re playing with people’s lives!" as the driver walked away.
The local authorities, specifically the Guardia Civil, have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the driver’s reckless behavior and his decision to leave the scene of the accident. He is currently facing serious charges, including reckless driving and abandoning the scene, which could lead to imprisonment. The investigation also seeks to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash, as some witnesses noted signs of impairment.
Witnesses like Sara, who was driving with her children at the time of the incident, described the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. "He was tailgating us so closely that we couldn’t even see the hood of our car," she recounted. "When he suddenly swerved to pass us, I knew something terrible was about to happen." Sara recorded the reckless driving on her phone, intending to document the dangerous behavior.
The aftermath of the accident has sparked a national conversation about road safety in the Canary Islands, where traffic fatalities have doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year. With 16 deaths reported between January and April, the public is demanding stricter penalties for reckless driving. Officials are considering implementing more rigorous traffic regulations to combat the alarming trend of dangerous driving behaviors.
Social media users have condemned the driver’s actions, labeling him a "spoiled brat" and demanding justice for the victims. The BMW, valued at around 100,000 euros, was previously featured on social media accounts where the driver showcased his dangerous driving skills, including drifting and other reckless maneuvers. Following the incident, these accounts were deleted, but not before they contributed to the public's outrage.
As the investigation continues, the legal repercussions for the driver could escalate depending on the condition of the injured man from the Nissan Juke. If his injuries worsen, the driver could face charges of aggravated assault or even manslaughter. The public’s reaction underscores a growing frustration with what many perceive as a culture of reckless driving among young individuals, particularly those with privileged backgrounds.
In light of this incident, authorities are increasing efforts to monitor driving behavior and enforce traffic laws more stringently. The recent spate of accidents has prompted calls for immediate action to prevent further tragedies on the road.
The story of this accident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving. It highlights not only the immediate dangers posed to individuals on the road but also the broader implications for community safety. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the hope remains that this tragic event will lead to meaningful changes in traffic safety regulations in the Canary Islands.
As the local community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, many are left wondering how such reckless behavior could have been allowed to escalate unchecked. The call for justice for the victims of this accident is echoing throughout Spain, emphasizing the need for accountability and change in driving culture.
