At least 25 people, many of them teenagers, were killed when a school bus veered off a road and plunged approximately 100 feet into a ravine late Saturday evening in Cape Verde. The vehicle was traveling along the Campanas de Cima route, a winding and mountainous stretch connecting to São Filipe on the island of Fogo.
The bus had been returning to São Filipe after an excursion to Cha das Caldeiras, a village situated within the crater of the Pico do Fogo volcano. Authorities reported that 32 people were on board when the bus left the road. Rescue efforts were hampered by the steep and difficult terrain, with emergency workers descending into the ravine to recover victims.
Seven victims were buried early Sunday due to the condition of their bodies, according to local media. Additional funerals were expected later the same day. The driver of the bus was among those killed. Local officials stated that the driver had organized the outing himself, which had become an annual tradition for students he transported.
The excursion was reportedly linked to celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Light, festivities that have now been canceled as the island mourns.
Several passengers survived the crash but sustained injuries. Around a dozen individuals were taken to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital, where four were reported in serious condition. The influx of injured placed significant pressure on the hospital, necessitating the call-in of additional medical staff and a private doctor.
The exact circumstances leading to the bus leaving the road are currently under investigation by authorities. Cape Verde President José Maria Pereira Neves characterized the incident as a "great catastrophe" and extended condolences to the bereaved. He was expected to travel to Fogo on Sunday to meet with those affected by the disaster. The São Filipe Municipal Council declared two days of official mourning and pledged support to the victims' families and the community.