Cape Verde School Bus Crash: At Least 25 Killed After Bus Plunges Into Ravine

At least 25 people have been killed after a school bus carrying mostly teenagers plunged into a ravine on the island of Fogo in Cape Verde. The crash happened at about 21:00 local time on Saturday on the Campanas de Cima route, according to local media.

The students were returning from a field trip to Chã das Caldeiras, which had been organised by the bus driver, according to reports.

The cause of the crash is not yet known.

São Filipe Mayor Nuías Silva confirmed on Saturday that 25 people had died, including the bus driver. Seven victims were immediately buried because of the condition of their bodies, according to local reports and the Associated Press.

Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing, with several people reportedly thrown from the bus while others remained trapped inside.

The difficult, rocky terrain of the ravine has complicated the operation, according to local news outlet Expresso das Ilhas.

The UK Sun reported that the bus was carrying schoolchildren from Curral Grande and Ponta Verde.

About 19 people were taken to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital, with four reported to be in "serious condition".

São Filipe's Municipal Council said it was working with health authorities, police, firefighters and other agencies to assist victims and their 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 council said in a translated statement.

"The City Hall informs that it currently maintains a team in the field, in close coordination with the Health Department, the National Police, the Municipal Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) and other competent authorities, in order to ensure immediate assistance to the victims and their respective families," it added.

The council declared two days of national mourning following the crash.

Cape Verde's President José Maria Neves described the incident 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.

Rounak is a journalist with over 7 years of experience covering geopolitical and international affairs. He has a keen interest in research and explain... View More