At Least 25 Dead, Multiple Others Injured After School Bus Plummets 100 Feet Into Rocky Ravine During Field Trip

**Tragedy Strikes Cape Verde as School Bus Accident Claims 25 Lives**

Cape Verde is plunged into mourning following a horrific accident on Saturday, 5th September, when a school bus carrying primarily teenagers veered off the road, plunging into a ravine on Fogo Island. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of at least 25 lives, sparking a national response of grief and solidarity.

The bus was travelling along the Campanas de Cima route at approximately 9 p.m. local time, transporting students back from a field trip to Chã das Caldeiras. Reports indicate that around 30 individuals were on board at the time of the accident. With the situation still unfolding, the exact cause of the crash remains undetermined, leaving many questions unanswered for the devastated families and local community.

Local authorities were alerted as rescue teams swiftly mobilised to the crash site, which is situated within challenging rocky terrain. This has made both the location of survivors and the recovery of victims exceedingly difficult. Several passengers were reportedly ejected from the bus during the fall, while others remained trapped inside, complicating the search and rescue operation.

Mayor Nuías Silva of São Filipe confirmed the heartbreaking death toll on the same day, emphasising that among the deceased was the bus driver. Reports from various regional outlets, including A Nação and Demócrata, revealed that seven of the victims were buried shortly after the accident due to the conditions in which they were found. This sudden loss has shocked the community and left an indelible mark on the island’s population.

According to reports, many of the victims were schoolchildren from the areas of Curral Grande and Ponta Verde. The gravity of the situation extended beyond the fatalities; 19 injured individuals were taken to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital, with four in a serious condition. The broader implications of the tragedy are being felt across the local community, as families grapple with their grief.

In the wake of this painful incident, the Municipal Council of São Filipe issued a statement on social media expressing profound condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirming their commitment to support those affected. The municipality has activated a dedicated team to work alongside local health services, police, and volunteer fire departments to ensure immediate assistance is provided to grieving families and individuals in need of care.

In recognition of the tragedy, authorities have declared two days of national mourning throughout Cape Verde. President José Maria Neves referred to the event as “a great catastrophe,” offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends of the victims, and the entire island community during this difficult time.

As rescue operations continue, concerns remain about the number of individuals still unaccounted for and the conditions faced by those involved in recovery efforts. Community members, alongside government officials, are actively providing support, illustrating the unity and resilience of the island’s population in the face of such immense sorrow.

Officials and responders are still working diligently to piece together information surrounding the crash, as the tight-knit community struggles to heal from the loss. The tragedy serves as a tragic reminder of the precariousness of life and the enduring spirit of solidarity in times of crisis.

As further developments emerge, the people of Cape Verde stand resolute, bound by their shared grief and determination to honour the memories of those they have lost. In a landscape marked by beautiful vistas and strong community ties, the island of Fogo will surely be forever changed by this heart-wrenching event.