At least 25 people, primarily teenagers, were killed in a tragic bus accident on Fogo Island, Cape Verde, late Saturday night.
Key facts
The bus, carrying approximately 32 passengers, veered off the Campanas de Cima route and plunged about 30 meters into a steep ravine.
The victims included the bus driver, who organized the annual trip to Chã das Caldeiras.
Seven bodies were buried immediately due to their condition, with others to follow.
Cape Verde has declared two days of national mourning following the tragic event.
Why it matters: This incident marks one of the deadliest traffic accidents in Cape Verde's recent history, highlighting concerns about road safety in the region.
The nation has a population of fewer than 600,000, making the loss particularly devastating.
Road accidents are relatively rare in Cape Verde, where infrastructure is typically well-maintained.
This crash raises questions about vehicle safety standards and emergency response capabilities.
Driving the news: The crash occurred around 9 p.m. local time as the bus was returning from a field trip at Chã das Caldeiras, a popular tourist destination.
As the bus descended the mountainous road, it reportedly veered off track and plummeted into a ravine.
Initial reports suggest the bus may have experienced a tire failure, but this has not been confirmed as the official cause.
Rescue operations faced challenges due to the difficult terrain, complicating efforts to recover victims.
State of play: Emergency personnel worked through the night to rescue trapped passengers and transport the injured to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital.
Among the injured, four individuals are reported to be in serious condition.
Local authorities confirmed that many victims were schoolchildren from Curral Grande and Ponta Verde.
Education officials stated that the excursion was privately arranged by the driver, not organized by local schools.
The big picture: The scale of this tragedy stands out in a country known for having relatively few fatal road incidents.
Cape Verde recorded 5,903 road crashes in 2024, with 39 fatalities, according to the Interior Minister.
The WHO estimated 97 road-traffic deaths in Cape Verde in 2021, highlighting the importance of road safety initiatives.
This incident could prompt a reevaluation of safety regulations for school transportation in the region.
What they're saying: Cape Verde's President, José Maria Pereira Neves, called the accident “a great catastrophe” in a statement on Facebook.
“Right now the priority is to show solidarity with the families of the victims,” he said.
Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho announced two days of mourning and promised an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Local authorities expressed deep condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the need for community support during this tragic time.
By the numbers: The bus crash on Fogo Island involved several alarming statistics.
At least 25 fatalities have been confirmed, with many more injured.
The bus had a capacity of 32 passengers, indicating a high casualty rate.
Seven victims were buried immediately due to their condition, underscoring the severity of the situation.
What's next: Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Authorities are expected to examine various factors, including vehicle maintenance, driver actions, and road conditions.
The government will likely implement measures aimed at improving road safety in response to this tragedy.
A memorial service for the victims is anticipated, and community support initiatives are expected to follow.