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One of the most iconic beaches in Lanzarote, Spain has been temporarily closed after a lorry carrying sewage overturned and became wedged into a cliff, prompting environmental concerns and forcing beachgoers to evacuate the area.

 

The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday July 10 at the Playa del Papagayo beach, located in the protected area of the Los Ajaches Natural Monument. According to local reports, the lorry had driven to the site to empty a well at a nearby restaurant when it lost control and plunged down a slope.

 

The vehicle was carrying a total of 6,000 litres of water, of which around 4,000 litres could be faecal, according to Televisión Canaria. Fortunately, the driver was not in the vehicle at the time and no injuries have been reported.

 

As a precautionary measure, access to the beach was immediately closed and visitors were asked to leave. Environmental technicians were sent to the site to assess the extent of the spillage and to collect samples to determine whether any contamination had occurred.

 

The vehicle remains stuck on a cliff face above the beach and is expected to be removed this Friday 11 by a specialist recovery team.

 

Papagayo beach, known for its clear waters and stunning surroundings, is a popular destination for tourists visiting Lanzarote. The authorities have not yet confirmed when it will reopen.

 

Image: Turismo Lanzarote