At least 25 people, mostly teenagers, were killed when a school bus plunged about 100 feet into a rocky ravine on Fogo Island, Cape Verde, on the night of Sept. 5. Rescuers faced steep terrain while searching for survivors; about 19 injured were treated at São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital, with four in serious condition. Local authorities declared two days of national mourning and investigations into the cause remain under way.
At Least 25 Dead After School Bus Plunges 100 Feet Into Ravine on Cape Verde's Fogo Island
A view of the scene following a deadly road accident on Fogo Island, Cape VerdeCredit: Jose Maria Pereira Neves/Facebook
At least 25 people — including the bus driver — were killed after a school bus carrying mostly teenagers veered off the road and plunged approximately 100 feet into a rocky ravine on Fogo Island, Cape Verde, late on the evening of Sept. 5.
Fogo in Cape VerdeCredit: Getty
What Happened
The crash occurred at about 9 p.m. local time on the Campanas de Cima route. Regional outlets, including Expresso das Ilhas, A Nação and Demócrata, reported that the students were returning from a field trip to Chã das Caldeiras organized by the bus driver. Authorities estimate there were roughly 30 people on board when the vehicle left the road and fell into the gorge. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
Fogo in Cape VerdeCredit: Getty
Rescue and Medical Response
Rescue teams worked through difficult conditions as steep, rocky terrain hampered efforts to locate survivors and recover victims. Reporters said several people were ejected from the bus on impact while others remained trapped inside the wreckage. Around 19 injured victims were taken to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital, where officials said four were in serious condition. Local authorities reported that seven of the deceased were buried immediately due to the condition of their bodies.
Official Reactions and Aftermath
São Filipe Mayor Nuías Silva confirmed the death toll and said municipal teams were coordinating with the Health Department, National Police and the Municipal Volunteer Fire Department to assist victims and families. The Municipal Council declared two days of national mourning. President José Maria Neves called the crash "a great catastrophe" and offered condolences to the bereaved.
Investigation
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. Authorities have not released further details about mechanical failure, road conditions or other possible contributing factors. Media organizations that covered the story include Expresso das Ilhas, A Nação, Demócrata, the Associated Press and The U.K. Sun.
Note: This account consolidates initial regional and international reports. Numbers and details may be updated as officials release further information.
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