Brit, 24, dies in horrific stairwell plunge in Tenerife after night out at festival

A 24-year-old British tourist has tragically died after a horrific stairwell plunge inside a holiday apartment complex in Tenerife. The incident occurred in Playa de las Americas at around 5:30am, when emergency services were called to the building and found the young man dead at the scene.

Initial reports indicate the victim suffered a fatal “face-first” fall down the stairwell. Authorities have confirmed there is no evidence at this stage of third-party involvement, and the case is being treated as an accidental death pending further investigation.

The holiday maker is believed to have attended a busy electronic music festival before the tragic accident. 

The tourist had reportedly attended the Eastenderz electronic music festival in nearby Costa Adeje earlier that evening with a friend.

Investigators believe he later returned to his accommodation and, for reasons still unclear, left his fourth-floor apartment alone during the night. He is thought to have descended at least two flights of stairs before falling, resulting in fatal injuries. A post-mortem examination is now underway to determine whether alcohol or other factors contributed.

The role of alcohol and nightlife plays in accidents in holiday resorts

This deeply distressing tragedy shines a light on serious incidents involving tourists in the Canary Islands and across Spain

These accidents often happen in busy resort areas, where unfamiliar surroundings, multi-storey accommodation, and late-night movement can increase the risk of disorientation and missteps.

Playa de las Americas is one of the island’s busiest nightlife hubs, attracting large numbers of visitors for clubs, festivals, and late-night events.

Although toxicology results have not yet been released, authorities routinely assess whether alcohol or substance use have played a role in incidents occurring during early morning hours, particularly following nights out.

Hidden dangers in holiday apartments

This horrendous incident also highlights potential risks within unfamiliar holiday apartment complexes. Stairwells especially those that are poorly lit, steep, or lack adequate handrails can pose hazards, particularly late at night.

Unlike larger hotel chains, standards in private or budget accommodation may vary, and visitors are often unfamiliar with layouts, exits, and safety features.

Similar cases across Spain

In 2025, A 56-year-old British tourist died after plunging 20ft from a hotel balcony in Costa Teguise when the railing reportedly gave way. Another man, aged 54, was left critically injured and taken to intensive care. 

In the same year A 22-year-old was seriously injured after falling three storeys in a party resort in San Antonio. 

How to stay safe on holiday

Visitors to busy holiday resorts can reduce risk by taking simple precautions, using well-lit routes and avoiding unfamiliar stairwells at night. Take care on stairs and always use handrails. Moderate alcohol consumption, especially before returning to accommodation and staying with companions after nights out

Tenerife remains a top choice for safe travel, this recent tragedy serves as a harsh reminder that staying alert is critical when in unfamiliar surroundings.