Cape Verde: the island of Fogo in mourning after the death of 25 people

Cape Verde is in mourning after a bus accident on the island of Fogo on Saturday evening. At least 25 people, most of them children and teenagers, lost their lives in this tragedy. The authorities declared two days of national mourning.

The tragedy occurred on the road to Campanas de Cima, in a mountainous area in the north of São Filipe. The vehicle was returning from an excursion to Chã das Caldeiras, near the Pico do Fogo volcano, when it left the roadway before falling into a ravine. The exact causes of the accident remain to be determined.

Rescue operations were complicated by difficult access to the accident area. Several people were injured and treated at the São Francisco de Assis regional hospital, in São Filipe. The bus driver was among the victims.

Cape Verdean President José Maria Pereira Neves described the accident as a “great catastrophe” and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families. Local officials are also expected to travel to the island to accompany the victims and their loved ones. The authorities are continuing investigations to establish the circumstances of the accident. The human toll could further evolve depending on the condition of the injured.