Bus carrying students plunges off cliff in Cabo Verde, killing 25

A bus carrying mainly students plunged off a cliff on Cabo Verde’s Fogo island, killing 25 people and injuring others, according to authorities and local media.

The vehicle was carrying 32 people when it left the road late Saturday afternoon on the road linking Chã das Caldeiras and Campanas de Cima in the municipality of São Filipe. Local reports said at least seven victims had been buried overnight, with more funerals expected on Sunday.

Nineteen children and teenagers, including eight girls and 11 boys, were treated at the San Francisco de Asís Regional Hospital. Five later died from their injuries, all suffering traumatic brain injuries, the hospital’s medical director, Dionísio Semedo, said. The victims ranged in age from six to 16 and had multiple injuries, particularly to their lower limbs.

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It is necessary to provide comfort and psychological support to all the families of the 25 victims.

Two teenagers remained in critical condition. Medical staff, including doctors on vacation and physicians from private clinics, joined the hospital’s response. Some injured victims might need evacuation to Dr. Agostinho Neto University Hospital in the capital, Praia.

President José Maria Neves visited the affected island and described the crash as an "immense tragedy." He called for psychological support for the families of the 25 victims, assistance for everyone affected and an investigation into the causes. Authorities also announced two days of national mourning.

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Immense tragedy