25 Dead in Cape Verde Bus Plunge

At least 25 people were killed and many others injured when a bus carrying passengers, including children and teenagers, veered off a mountain road and plunged into a deep ravine on the island of Fogo in Cape Verde. The accident occurred late on Saturday, September 5, 2026, as the bus was returning to São Filipe from an excursion to the Cha das Caldeiras village, located within the Pico do Fogo volcanic crater. Rescue efforts continued through Saturday night and into Sunday, September 6, 2026, as emergency personnel worked to reach victims trapped in the wreckage. The crash site, described as a rocky area near a riverbed, proved difficult to access, complicating recovery operations. The bus driver, who reportedly organized the annual excursion for pupils he transported to school, was among those who died. The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and authorities have launched an investigation. While roads in the West African archipelago are generally reported to be in good condition, mountain routes on the volcanic islands can be narrow, poorly lit, and subject to steep, winding terrain. The vehicle was carrying 32 passengers at the time of the incident.