Five Britons killed in Ecuador bus crash
LONDON (AFP) — Five Britons have died and 12 have been injured in a bus crash in Ecuador, the Foreign Office said Sunday.
The accident occurred between the capital Quito and the coastal fishing town of Puerto Lopez, it said.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said 20 people were on board: 17 Britons, a French national and two Ecuadorians, one the driver and the other a tour guide.
It is believed the Britons were on holiday, the FCO said, adding that none of the injured were believed to be in a critical condition.
"At this stage we can confirm that five British nationals have been killed in the incident, and the remaining 12 injured," said an FCO spokesman.
"Staff from the British Embassy in Quito are providing consular assistance and we are working with the tour company to inform the relatives of those involved.
"Our deepest sympathy goes to the those involved and their families and friends."
An FCO spokeswoman said the exact circumstances of the crash were still unknown.
"We are not sure whether any other vehicles were involved. We are still trying to piece together all the details," she said.
Around 22,000 Britons visit Ecuador every year, according to the FCO, citing Ecuadorian immigration records. British nationals do not need a visa to visit the country.
In its travel advice, the FCO warns British nationals about the condition of roads in Ecuador, naming the Manabi province in which Puerto Lopez is situated.
"General road conditions are adequate in Andean and coastal areas, but driving can be dangerous due to the condition of the vehicles on the road and local driving techniques," travellers are warned.
"Road conditions in the Amazon region are generally very poor and driving is hazardous. Roads in the coastal province of Manabi were badly damaged by floods in Spring 2005, and have yet to be fully restored."
