THE MORTAL REMAINS OF THE SOLDIER KILLED IN FUERTEVENTURA TAKEN TO TENERIFE

The mortal remains of Private José Tomás Fariña García, 28, who was killed in an accident on the "Pájara" training camp and firing range (Fuerteventura) on the afternoon of 7th February, have been taken to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the city where his family resides, on the morning of 9th February.

Subsequently the military funeral has been held on the Hoya Fría base, headquarters of the 49th Light Infantry Regiment "Tenerife”, which has been presided over by Lieutenant General Medina, commander of the Canary Island Command.  Also attending were the deputy Government delegate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Mr. José Antonio Batista; the commander of 16th Light Infantry Brigade "Canarias", General Martín; the Regiment commander, Colonel Sevilla; and the commander of 2nd Battalion "Albuera" (the unit where the deceased was posted), Lieutenant Colonel M. Gimeno.

At the moment the unfortunate incident that cost the soldier his life was made known, the Canary Island Command contacted his relatives –he was married and the father of three– and arranged for their air travel to the island of Fuerteventura. His wife, his mother and one of Private Fariña’s brothers came to the island and were accompanied at all times by military personnel.

When the accident took place, Private Fariña was being transported on board a Lynx Light Multipurpose Vehicle, which overturned while crossing Tabaibejo ravine, on "Pájara" training camp and firing range. He was participating in the evaluation exercise that his unit was undertaking as a component of the 28th Spanish Force in Afghanistan, which will deploy in the area of operations in April.  The other four occupants of the vehicle sustained various degrees of injuries and were immediately transferred to the Puerto del Rosario hospital.  Their lives are not in danger.