A driver mistakenly joined the GC-1 motorway in Gran Canaria in the wrong direction yesterday afternoon (Monday), travelling 12 kilometres against the flow of traffic before being intercepted by the Guardia Civil.
The incident took place around 6:45pm near kilometre 15 of the motorway, close to the junction for Gando and the GC-140. The driver, at the wheel of a green van, mistakenly merged onto the motorway heading south towards Las Palmas de Gran Canaria but drove in the opposite direction in the third lane.
Emergency Response and Driver's Explanation
Upon detecting the dangerous situation, the Guardia Civil swiftly deployed patrol cars, with support from the Canary Islands Police, to control traffic and minimise risks for other road users.
The vehicle was finally stopped at kilometre 27, near the Arinaga industrial estate, where traffic officers confronted the driver. Fortunately, no accidents or collisions occurred.
Witnesses reported that the man appeared visibly shaken when stopped, explaining that he had become disoriented while entering the motorway and was unable to react in time to correct his mistake.
Despite the serious danger posed by travelling such a long distance in heavy traffic, the incident ended without injuries or damage, thanks to quick action from the police and alert drivers on the motorway.
