Two holidaymakers injured after plunging buggy down 23ft ravine at Marbella golf club after smashing into barrier
TWO holidaymakers have been left injured after plunging their buggy down a 23-foot ravine at a Marbella golf club.
One of the two men had to be airlifted to hospital after falling down the ravine with the buggy.
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The other holidaymaker managed to leap from the buggy as it veered over when they went through a protective barrier alongside a path between the 17th and 18th tees.
The miracle escape occurred on Saturday as the two men prepared to finish a round of golf with other pals before a birthday party.
Officials confirmed both men, aged 29 and 46, were Irish and said today an investigation into the accident was still ongoing.
A spokesman for Santa Clara Golf, who also confirmed their nationalities, said today: 'The families of both men flew out after being told about the accident.
'One of the injured golfers had to be airlifted to Carlos Haya Hospital in Malaga.
"The most important thing is that we are being told both are now stable.
"The most-seriously injured of the two men is still in Carlos Haya and the other is in the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella."
The spokesman explained how the buggy crashed through a protective barrier, with one managing "to jump from the vehicle" while the other "was trapped in the buggy" - plummeting over 20-feet down.
He added: 'The two men hurt were both tourists who were part of a larger group of around nine English-speaking golfers.
'They were part of a group of four golfers who had just finished on tee 17.
'Another group, who included an Irish national who lives in Marbella and is well-known at the golf club, was ahead of them on the eighteenth tee.
'Everyone is obviously very shocked at what happened but fortunately it looks as if both men are going to pull through. We are inquiring about their health every day and they are currently both stable.
'We're still not sure exactly what happened but all we can think at the moment is that the man driving suffered a distraction at the wheel.'
Firefighters had to use ropes and a specialised stretcher in the emergency response rescue.
One of the golfers is said to have been conscious throughout the operation but the other was unconscious when he was assisted immediately after the accident.
It is not yet clear which of the two holidaymakers were driving the buggy, which is petrol-powered and is thought to have a top speed of only about 12mph.
Santa Clara Golf Club is a short drive east of Marbella heading towards Malaga.
It boasts online of being 'one of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol for a stimulating and unforgettable experience.'
Well-placed sources said today the Irish-based golfer who is well-known at the club was celebrating his birthday and a party was due to take place after he and his friends finished their round.
It is not yet known where in Ireland the two injured men come from.
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