Tom Powell
THE new mayor of La Linea has offered his support to Gibraltar after a coach carrying football fans back from a European Qualifier with Germany suffered a major crash.
Juan Franco Rodriguez instantly contacted the Gibraltar government upon hearing about the accident, in which the coach crashed into a stationary van near Los Barrios.
The 40-year-old owner of the van was stood outside his vehicle and died from his injuries.
There were eight others in the van, all Moroccan, who suffered injuries to varying degrees.
Many of the 44 passengers on the coach, traveling back from Faro where Gibraltar play their home games, were hurled out of their seats.
They were treated for injuries at Algeciras hospital and St Bernard’s in Gibraltar, with all but one being discharged on the same day.
Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: “Rodriguez was immediately involved in liaising with my office as soon as he learnt of the accident.
“We have agreed that we are both on the same page in wanting to continue fostering strong relations between our two cities.”
Franco, leader of the La Linea 100 x 100 party, was proclaimed mayor after gaining the support of the PP and the IU.
