Cape Verde bus crash leaves at least 25 dead on Fogo Island
A devastating bus crash on Cape Verde's Fogo Island has left at least 25 people dead, primarily teenagers returning from a school excursion.
A devastating bus crash on Cape Verde's volcanic island of Fogo has left at least 25 people dead, with local authorities and AP News reporting that the majority of the victims are teenagers. The tragedy unfolded late Saturday evening, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting an official response from national leaders. Detailed reporting from outlets such as Dailymail outlines a grim scene as rescue teams navigated treacherous terrain to reach the wreckage of the vehicle, which plunged roughly 100 feet into a rocky ravine. As the island community grapples with the immense loss, questions remain over what caused the vehicle to veer off the winding mountain pass.
The fatal journey took place along the Campanas de Cima route, a notoriously winding and mountainous stretch of road that connects the area with São Filipe. According to comprehensive reports, the bus had been transporting secondary school students from Curral Grande and Ponta Verde. The group was returning from an excursion to Cha das Caldeiras, a unique settlement situated directly within the crater of the Pico do Fogo volcano. Sources note that the driver had organised the outing himself as an annual tradition for the children he normally transported to school. Local accounts suggest the excursion coincided with celebrations honouring Our Lady of Light, festivities that have since been cancelled in the wake of the disaster.
Authorities confirmed that 32 people were on board the vehicle when it suddenly left the road. The subsequent rescue operation was severely hindered by the steep and difficult terrain of the valley. Emergency workers were forced to descend deep into the ravine on foot to recover victims and pull survivors from the wreckage. While at least 25 lives were lost—including the driver of the bus—several passengers managed to survive the fall with injuries. Approximately a dozen survivors were transported for urgent medical care to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital. Medical staff faced immense pressure treating the influx of casualties, requiring reinforcements including an additional private doctor, as four of the hospitalized patients were reported to be in serious condition.
The logistical and emotional toll of the catastrophe extended immediately into the island's burial customs. Citing the condition of the bodies, local health authorities and media outlets confirmed that seven of the victims were buried early Sunday. Further funeral services were expected to take place later in the day. In response to the tragedy, the São Filipe Municipal Council declared two days of official mourning, pledging to extend dedicated assistance to the grieving families and the wider community.
| Metric / Detail | Reported Figure | Context / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fatalities | At least 25 | Mostly teenagers and secondary school students |
| Total Passengers | 32 | Travelling on a passenger bus |
| Hospitalised Survivors | Around a dozen | Treated at São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital |
| Critically Injured | 4 | Reported in serious condition |
| Immediate Burials | 7 | Carried out early Sunday due to body condition |
National leadership has responded swiftly to the emergency. Cape Verde President José Maria Pereira Neves took to social media to characterize the incident as a great catastrophe, offering heartfelt condolences to all those who lost loved ones. Alongside other senior officials, the president was expected to travel to Fogo Island to meet directly with affected families and community leaders.
The exact circumstances that caused the bus to veer off the road remain undetermined. Authorities have initiated a formal inquiry to establish the sequence of events leading up to the plunge. As the community continues to mourn, local families prepare for ongoing memorial services while awaiting further findings from the official investigation.
