Two die in beauty spot ravine accident
The victims were carried away by the strong current
TWO members of a guided group were killed when they suffered an accident in a ravine in Bolulla and were swept away by the torrent.
The incident occurred at the Estret de les Penyes, upstream from the Fuentes del Algar waterfalls.
The victims are a 43-yearold guide and a woman, aged 31. According to state news agency EFE, they were taking part in an excursion when the tragedy occurred at around 14.25 on Friday.
EFE noted that the circumstances of accident at the River Bolulla are under investigation.
However, regional newspaper Diario Información reported that they were carrying out a photo session for an advertising campaign.
They stated that the guide from Villajoyosa – an experienced adventure sports expert working in the tourism sector – had slipped and fallen into the water close to one of the waterfalls. It was not reported how the woman ended up in the torrent.
When the emergency services were called, a mountain rescue helicopter was scrambled by the provincial fire brigade – and local police and Guardia Civil from Callosa d’en Sarrià, and paramedics rushed to the scene.
A spokesman for the provincial fire service stated that ‘despite the quick response’ from the emergency services, ‘the force of the water’ dragged the two victims downstream and the team was not able to save their lives.
The walking guide was found unconscious and paramedics were unable to revive him, explained EFE.
The woman was located in a different place to the guide and the mountain rescue team from the helicopter carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation but to no avail.
According to EFE, the victims were accompanied by four other people.
Recent heavy rains have increased the volume of water in mountain rivers in the north and interior of Alicante province, turning them into torrents in some areas.
The Estret de les Penyes ravine is known for its waterfalls and is a favourite spot for the sport of canyoning, particularly after wet weather.