A 19-year-old American tourist was seriously injured on Sunday evening after falling from the terrace of his hotel in Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza.
The fall happened at around 7pm. The young man dropped about 12 metres, the height of roughly four storeys, to the ground below. Emergency services attended quickly and took him to hospital.
His injuries
He suffered several serious injuries, including:
- fractures to vertebrae in his neck and upper back;
- a collapsed lung;
- bruising to the lung tissue.
He was admitted to the intensive care unit, where his condition was described as serious but stable.
A second fall
The following day, another person was seriously injured after falling from a different building on the island. Police are investigating the circumstances of both incidents.
The risk of “balconing”
Falls from hotel balconies and terraces happen every summer in the Balearic Islands, and many involve young tourists. The term “balconing” is used for dangerous behaviour such as jumping between balconies, climbing over railings or jumping into pools, often after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Not every fall involves risky behaviour, however, and police investigate each case.
Insurance warnings
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and many insurers warn that travel insurance policies may not pay out for injuries caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or as a result of reckless behaviour. Treatment for serious injuries and repatriation can cost tens of thousands of euros. Hotels can also evict guests who break their safety rules.
Staying safe
- Keep away from balcony edges, particularly after drinking.
- Never climb on railings or move furniture next to them.
- Look out for friends and step in if someone is behaving dangerously.
- Follow hotel rules on balcony use.
In an emergency anywhere in the Balearic Islands, call 112.
