It was a scene straight out of a movie: a minibus full of tourists, swerving off the road, and plunging into a field near Marfa’s iconic windmills. The crash, which occurred yesterday afternoon, left several tourists injured and shocked.

The Crash: A Close Call on Marfa’s Roads

Witnesses reported that the minibus, operated by a popular local tour company, was traveling along Triq il-Kuncizzjoni, a winding road known for its scenic views, when it suddenly veered off the road around 3 PM. The vehicle ended up in a nearby field, narrowly missing a group of cyclists.

“I was cycling with my friends when we heard a loud screech,” said Joe Borg, a local resident who was among the first to reach the scene. “We turned around and saw the minibus in the field. It was quite a shock.”

Emergency Services Rush to the Scene

Emergency services, including an ambulance and a fire truck from the nearby Rabat station, rushed to the scene. The injured tourists were treated on-site before being transported to Mater Dei Hospital for further evaluation.

Dr. Martin Grech, a spokesperson for the Malta Medical Association, confirmed that the injuries were mostly minor, with a few cases of fractures and concussions. “We’re grateful that the situation wasn’t more serious,” he said.

Investigation Underway: What Caused the Crash?

The police have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Early indications suggest that the minibus may have hit a patch of oil on the road, causing the driver to lose control. However, officials are not ruling out other possibilities.

“We’re looking at all angles, including driver fatigue, mechanical failure, and even distracted driving,” said Inspector Joe Camilleri, leading the investigation. “We urge anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward.”

The tour company involved, Malta Tours Ltd, released a statement expressing their concern for the injured tourists and pledging full cooperation with the investigation. They also announced that they would be suspending tours on that route until further notice.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on Malta’s roads, especially during the busy tourist season. It’s a timely reminder for all of us to stay alert and drive safely.

If you witnessed the crash or have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the police on 119.