The TF-445 motorway between Buenavista del Norte and Punta de Teno, in northeastern Tenerife, collapsed at around 7pm Tuesday, trapping dozens of motorists who faced a wait of several hours before being rescued.
Hundimiento Punta #Teno deja varios vehículos atrapados. Sigan indicaciones #Emergencias @PCLMatanza pic.twitter.com/pvTBAnZTW2 @VOSTcanarias
— InfoEmergencias (@InfoEmerg) July 12, 2016
The President of the Inter-island Council of the Canary Islands, Carlos Alonso, activated the islands' emergency plan after the eight by four metre stretch of motorway – curving round a cliff above the sea – collapsed.
A land and air operation was launched, which involved three helicopters and help from the fire brigade, Guardia Civil, Civil Protection and National Police.
The 174 trapped people were eventually evacuated by helicopter after choppy seas prohibited boats from reaching the scene.
The Council of the Canary Islands confirmed via Twitter on Wednesday morning that everyone had been successfully rescued.
No one was injured in the incident, while an investigation has been launched into what caused the collapse.
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