Tragic accident in Cape Verde, 25 victims among students and teenagers

A serious bus accident on the island of Fogo in Cape Verde has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, all students and teenagers.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening, when the bus carrying 32 people veered off the road in mountainous terrain and plunged into a ravine about 30 meters deep.

Many of the victims were primary and secondary school students. The vehicle was traveling to São Filipe after an excursion to the Chã das Caldeiras area, near the Pico do Fogo volcano.

The trip was not organized by educational institutions, but by the bus driver. He organized this excursion every year for the students he transported during the school year and also lost his life in the accident.

The injured have been taken to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital, while some of them are in serious condition.

The authorities have not yet officially determined the cause of the accident. Local media report, based on the testimonies collected, that a tire on the bus may have burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The president of Cape Verde, José Maria Pereira Neves, described the incident as a “major catastrophe.” Meanwhile, the authorities have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident.