British Tourist Dies After 20ft Balcony Fall in Lanzarote as Safety Investigation Begins
25 Oct 2025
A British holidaymaker has died and another remains in critical condition after a tragic 20-foot fall from a hotel balcony on the Spanish island of Lanzarote. The incident, which occurred in the popular resort town of Costa Teguise, has triggered an official investigation into hotel safety and infrastructure maintenance.
The Incident: What Happened in Costa Teguise?
The fall occurred in the early hours of Saturday, at approximately 1:30 a.m., when two British men — aged 56 and 54 — reportedly leaned on a balcony railing that suddenly gave way. The men fell more than 20 feet to the ground below.
Emergency services arrived moments later, but the 56-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was rushed to Doctor José Molina Orosa Hospital, where he remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition.
Hotel Safety Investigation Underway
The Spanish Civil Guard has launched a full investigation to determine whether the hotel complied with safety regulations. Experts are now examining the broken railing to identify whether negligence, corrosion, or poor maintenance played a role in the deadly collapse. The hotel’s name has not yet been released, and officials have not confirmed whether the two victims were related or traveling together.
Balcony Falls: A Growing Safety Concern
Spain’s resort islands welcome millions of visitors each year — particularly from the United Kingdom — but balcony incidents have become an ongoing concern. Authorities have issued multiple safety warnings during peak holiday seasons, urging hotels to upgrade old infrastructure and reminding tourists to exercise caution.
Emergency Response and Next Steps
The British consulate has been informed and is assisting the families of the victims. Investigators are now collecting witness testimonies and reviewing maintenance records from the hotel. Depending on the findings, the establishment could face penalties or legal action.
A Resort Community in Shock
The normally peaceful resort of Costa Teguise has been left shaken by the tragedy. With the summer tourism season approaching, the incident has renewed urgent questions about hotel safety and inspection standards across Spain’s most visited coastal areas.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus now turns to whether this tragedy could have been prevented — and what measures must be put in place to ensure it never happens again.