On Saturday, the Cabildo of Tenerife oversaw the evacuation of 77 individuals who had recklessly walked to the upper station of the Teide Cable Car, which was not in operation due to adverse weather conditions.
The group activated the 112 emergency helpline after some began exhibiting symptoms of altitude sickness, prompting the Natural Environment, Sustainability and Safety department of the Cabildo to respond to the situation.
“Thankfully, we managed to evacuate them without any significant incidents, but I urge the public to recognise that warnings and precautions are instated to ensure their safety,” stated Blanca Pérez, Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability and Security, and Emergencies of the Cabildo.
Consequently, the insular authority reached out to the operators of the Teide Cable Car to organise the evacuation. Once the cable car staff confirmed that the weather conditions were suitable for a temporary operation, they moved 64 individuals, while another 13 made their way down on foot.
In a statement, Blanca Pérez expressed concern regarding the circumstances under which these incidents transpire, noting that frigid temperatures, frost, and altitude sickness pose risks to those ascending to the peak without adequate preparation.
“It is an act of irresponsibility,” asserted Pérez, emphasising that the Canary Islands government had issued a pre-warning for rain and storms the previous day, which was the reason for the cable car’s closure.
Pérez reiterated that Teide National Park is situated at high altitudes, where temperatures are low and frost is common.
Many individuals are unprepared to navigate the high mountains, which presents a risk. It is therefore crucial to adhere to the safety guidelines in Teide National Park, “especially during adverse weather conditions,” emphasised Blanca Pérez.
