Thousands of drivers faced lengthy delays on Tenerife’s TF-1 motorway yesterday after an overturned lorry brought traffic heading towards Santa Cruz to a standstill on one of Tenerife’s busiest transport routes.

The accident happened shortly before 7:30am near Güímar, causing immediate congestion and triggering a large-scale emergency response and significant tailbacks throughout much of the morning.

Firefighters, the Guardia Civil, and road maintenance teams from the Cabildo de Tenerife were deployed to the scene to secure the area and manage the severe traffic disruption.

The driver of the heavy goods vehicle was treated at the scene by SUC medical personnel before being taken by ambulance to hospital after suffering multiple injuries following the incident.

Motorway closed during recovery operation

As emergency crews worked to recover the overturned vehicle, the disruption worsened later in the morning.

Shortly after 10:40am, the 112 Canarias announced the temporary closure of the TF-1 in the direction of Santa Cruz to allow heavy machinery access to the site.

The closure was necessary due to the complexity of the operation, with specialist equipment required to safely lift and remove the lorry from the carriageway.

Drivers were advised to avoid the area where possible and seek alternative routes while recovery teams worked to clear the motorway.

The incident came during an already busy week on Tenerife’s roads, with additional traffic expected across the island ahead of the visit of Pope Leo XIV.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the cause of the accident.