Santa Cruz Carnival: Float Leak, Assaults Mar First Day
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival's opening day saw a float fuel leak, multiple public safety incidents including sexist assaults and drug offenses, and numerous alcohol-related medical treatments, validating prior union warnings about vehicle safety.
Reports on the security for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival show some big problems, especially with the safety of vehicles in the parades. The CSIF union is worried about the floats, saying they are a major risk to road and public safety. They point to issues seen in last year's carnival. This concern became real on Friday during the parade. Around 9:00 PM, a float had a fuel leak near La Marina street. Local Police stopped the vehicle, and people taking part in the parade pushed it to a safe spot.
The first day of the Carnival brought together more than 80,000 people, including both those watching and those taking part. The Carnival Hospital treated 68 people: 52 adults and 16 children. Most of these, 40 men and 28 women, needed help because they had drunk too much alcohol. During the parade itself, eight people (six adults and two children) needed medical help, mostly after falling.
More serious incidents were reported regarding public safety. Five women were treated after being assaulted. Three of these attacks were sexist and carried out by the same person. Local Police also issued 25 reports for different offenses. These included 14 for drug possession and use, four for fights, three for breaking rules, one for staying open past permitted hours, one for verbally disrespecting an officer, and two for carrying knives.