15-ton boulder blocks road after rockfall in Gran Canaria
A major rockfall triggered by Storm Therese has forced the closure of the GC-60 road in Gran Canaria, with emergency crews working to clear the obstruction using heavy machinery.
The incident occurred in the early hours of today, Saturday, when a rock weighing more than 15 tonnes broke loose and fell onto the road near Ayacata, cutting off the route between Ayacata and Tejeda.
Heavy Machinery Deployed to Clear Route
The Gran Canaria Cabildo has confirmed that road maintenance teams are actively working to remove the debris. An excavator fitted with a pneumatic hammer is being used to break the large rock into smaller pieces, allowing it to be cleared safely from the carriageway.
The landslide has caused significant disruption to traffic in the area, which is a key connection through the island’s mountainous interior. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the incident.
Ongoing Risks Across the Island
Clearing operations are ongoing in what officials describe as a particularly vulnerable stretch of road, where persistent rainfall and unstable ground conditions have increased the risk of further landslides.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution across the island’s road network, as Storm Therese continues to create hazardous conditions, including falling rocks and debris in multiple locations.
Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in higher-altitude areas where the risk remains highest.
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