At least 25 people have died after a bus carrying mostly schoolchildren and teenagers plunged into a ravine in Cape Verde.
The crash happened at about 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, on Fogo Island.
The bus was travelling along the mountainous Campanas de Cima route when it left the road and fell about 30 metres into a rocky ravine.
The passengers were returning from a private field trip to Chã das Caldeiras. Reports said the driver had organised the outing.
The victims included students from Curral Grande and Ponta Verde. The bus driver also died in the crash.
Around 19 injured people were taken to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital. Four were initially reported to be in serious condition.
Emergency workers continued rescue and recovery operations through the night.
The rocky terrain made it difficult for responders to reach the bus and remove those trapped inside.
São Filipe Mayor Nuías Silva confirmed the death toll and announced measures to support the victims’ families.
“In light of this painful tragedy, which resulted in the loss of human lives and left several people injured, the Municipality of São Filipe wishes, first and foremost, to express its deepest solidarity with the families of the victims, their colleagues, teachers, the educational communities, and the entire population deeply shaken by this event…” the municipality said.
Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves described the crash as “a great catastrophe.”
“I offer my condolences to the bereaved families, to the friends of the victims, and to the island of Fogo,” he said.
The country declared two days of mourning following the tragedy.
Authorities have started investigating the bus, the road and the circumstances surrounding the crash. The cause remains unknown.
