At least 25 people have been killed in a devastating bus crash on Cape Verde’s Fogo Island, with most of the victims reportedly being children and teenagers.
The accident occurred on Saturday as the bus was returning to São Filipe after an excursion to the spectacular Pico do Fogo volcanic crater, according to public radio network RCV and local authorities.
The bus, which was carrying 32 people, reportedly veered off the road and plunged into a deep ravine, leaving victims trapped in the wreckage.
Several other passengers were injured, some of them seriously.
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The driver was among those killed in the crash. Local reports said he had organised the annual excursion as a special gift for pupils he normally drove to school during the school term.
The crash occurred in a rocky and difficult-to-access valley, making the rescue operation particularly challenging. Emergency personnel worked throughout the night to reach the wreckage and rescue those trapped inside.
Authorities began burying the victims on Sunday. Seven people had already been laid to rest early in the day, while the remaining funerals were expected to take place later, RCV reported.
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Cape Verdean President José Maria Pereira Neves described the incident as “a great catastrophe” in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
The president, along with other government officials, was expected to travel to Fogo Island on Sunday to assess the situation and meet with those affected by the tragedy.
The crash has plunged the island community into mourning, as families await further information about their loved ones and authorities continue efforts to account for the victims and assist the injured.
