Cape Verde Declares Two Days Of Mourning After Bus Crash Kills 25

Cape Verde has declared two days of mourning after a bus plunged into a deep ravine on the island of Fogo, killing 25 people, most of them children and teenagers. Twenty victims died at the scene and five later died in hospital. Fourteen people were injured, including several in serious condition. President José Maria Neves has ordered an investigation, while the government has agreed to cover the victims' funeral expenses.

Cape Verde has declared two days of national mourning after a devastating bus crash on the island of Fogo killed 25 people, most of them children and teenagers returning from an excursion.
The tragedy occurred late Saturday when a bus carrying pupils and other passengers reportedly veered off the road and plunged into a deep ravine after an outing to a village located inside the volcanic crater of Fogo.
The accident has plunged the West African island nation into mourning, with families, teachers, government officials and residents gathering to pay tribute to the victims.

25 PEOPLE KILLED IN THE CRASH

Authorities said 20 people died at the scene, while another five later succumbed to their injuries at São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital.
Among those killed was the bus driver, who had organised the excursion every year as a gift for the pupils he transported to school during the academic term.
The inclusion of so many young people among the victims has made the accident particularly painful for the local community.
At least 14 people were injured, with three initially reported to be in critical condition.

LEADERS JOIN FAMILIES IN MOURNING

Cape Verde's political leadership travelled to Fogo following the disaster.
Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho announced two days of mourning and said additional measures would be taken following the tragedy.
President José Maria Neves also travelled to the island and attended a Mass where 18 coffins were displayed.
He described the disaster as “a great loss” and “a very painful moment” for Cape Verde.
The president offered his condolences to the victims' families, their friends and the entire population of Fogo.

A TRAGIC SCHOOL EXCURSION

The group had travelled on an excursion to a village located inside Fogo's volcanic crater.
Fogo is one of Cape Verde's most distinctive islands and is dominated by the country's highest volcano.
The excursion was reportedly an annual tradition organised by the bus driver for the pupils he normally transported to school.
What began as a recreational trip ended in one of the deadliest tragedies the community has experienced in recent years.

BUS PLUNGED INTO A DEEP RAVINE

According to preliminary information from authorities, the bus left the road before plunging into a deep ravine.
The accident happened late Saturday, with emergency workers subsequently rushing to the crash site and transporting the injured and bodies to the regional hospital.
The exact circumstances that caused the driver to lose control have not yet been established.
President Neves has ordered an investigation to determine what happened and whether any factors contributed to the crash.

HOSPITAL RECEIVES VICTIMS THROUGH THE NIGHT

Doctors and medical workers at São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital worked through the night treating those injured in the accident.
Doctor Dionisio Semedo told Cape Verdean public television that bodies and injured passengers began arriving at the hospital between approximately 11 p.m. and midnight on Saturday.
At one stage, 12 injured people remained under medical care, with two described as being in serious condition.
Medical teams continued monitoring the survivors as authorities worked to identify and transport the victims.

GOVERNMENT TO PAY FUNERAL EXPENSES

The Cape Verdean government has announced that it will cover the funeral expenses of the victims.
Seven victims were buried early Sunday, while the remaining funerals were scheduled to take place later in the day.
The decision is intended to ease some of the financial burden on grieving families as the community struggles to cope with the scale of the tragedy.

18 COFFINS DISPLAYED AT MASS

A Mass held on Sunday provided one of the most emotional moments of the national mourning.
Eighteen coffins were placed on display at the church as relatives, community members and officials gathered to remember those who died.
The scenes reflected the devastating impact of the accident on Fogo, where many families are believed to have been directly affected.
The presence of so many young victims has left schools and communities grieving the loss of children whose lives were cut short during what was supposed to be a joyful outing.

PRESIDENT ORDERS INQUIRY

President Neves has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The inquiry is expected to examine the condition of the bus, the road, the circumstances of the excursion and what happened immediately before the vehicle plunged into the ravine.
Authorities have yet to announce whether mechanical failure, road conditions, driver error or another factor played a role.
The investigation will be important in establishing exactly how the tragedy occurred and whether similar accidents can be prevented.

FOGO GRIEVES

The island of Fogo is now at the centre of a national period of mourning.
For residents, the tragedy has affected more than just the victims' immediate families. Teachers, classmates, neighbours and other members of the community are mourning young people they knew personally.
The accident has also reminded the country of the dangers associated with travelling on mountainous roads, particularly in areas with steep terrain and deep ravines.

CAPE VERDE FACES A PAINFUL RECOVERY

As funerals continue, attention is turning towards the survivors and the families left behind.
The government has promised support, while medical teams continue caring for those injured.
For Cape Verde, the two days of mourning provide an opportunity for the entire nation to grieve together.
But for the families who lost children, relatives and friends, the consequences of the crash will continue long after the flags are lowered and the official mourning period ends.