At least 25 people have been killed after a bus plunged into a ravine on a mountain road on Fogo, one of Cape Verde’s islands off the coast of West Africa.
The crash happened on Saturday on the route between Chã das Caldeiras and Campanas de Cima, near São Filipe. The bus reportedly left the road and fell about 30 metres into a rocky ravine that was difficult for rescue teams to reach.
Many of those on board were children, teenagers and secondary school students returning from an excursion. Fourteen people were injured, including three who were reported to be in a critical condition.
Local authorities said 20 people died at the scene, while five others died after being taken to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital. The driver was among those killed.
The outing was not organised by the schools attended by the pupils. Education officials said it was an annual trip privately arranged by the driver, who transported the children during the school term.
Emergency workers, police, firefighters and health officials worked through the night amid the difficult terrain. The municipality of São Filipe said it was considering airlifting the most seriously injured and had arranged medical, psychological and social support for victims and their relatives.
Cape Verde’s Prime Minister, Francisco Carvalho, announced two days of national mourning and travelled to Fogo with the health and justice ministers. The Government has also sent a medical team of about 16 doctors, nurses and specialists to reinforce local services.
President José Maria Neves described the crash as “a great loss” and “a very painful moment for the country” as he visited the island. The circumstances and cause of the crash are being investigated by the national authorities.
