At least 25 people, most of them children and young people, have died after a bus carrying a group returning from an outing plunged roughly 30 meters — about 100 feet — into a rocky ravine on Cape Verde’s Fogo Island.

The crash happened on Saturday, Sept. 5, on the mountainous route between Chã das Caldeiras and Campanas de Cima, in the northern highlands of the municipality of São Filipe. Several other passengers were injured, some seriously, while authorities continue working to establish exactly what caused the vehicle to leave the road.

The scale of the disaster has prompted Cape Verde’s government to declare two days of national mourning, while a crisis team and additional medical personnel have been sent to Fogo to support survivors and affected families.

Bus plunged around 100 feet into ravine

The bus was traveling from Chã das Caldeiras toward Campanas when it left the road and fell into a ravine estimated to be around 30 meters deep.

Early reports said passengers were returning from an outing in Chã das Caldeiras. The group consisted largely of young people and teenagers. Local authorities initially estimated that around 30 people were traveling in the vehicle, although subsequent reporting indicated the number may have been closer to 40.

Some occupants were thrown from the vehicle during the crash, while others were initially trapped inside. The steep, rocky terrain complicated rescue and recovery efforts as emergency teams worked at the scene.

At least 20 deaths were confirmed at the crash site, including the driver, according to local reporting. Five more victims later died at São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 25.

Seven victims were buried shortly afterward on the instruction of local health authorities, according to reports.

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

Injured passengers taken to regional hospital

Nineteen people were transported to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital following the crash, according to Expresso das Ilhas.

As of Sunday morning, three injured patients were reported to have a reserved prognosis. A later update from health authorities said four patients remained under special medical care.

Cape Verde’s Ministry of Health sent a specialist medical team from Praia to Fogo to reinforce the hospital’s capacity. The group included doctors and nurses from several specialties, including neurosurgery, surgery and intensive care.

Health Minister Lúcio Miranda said patients requiring more specialized treatment could later be transferred to Praia or another appropriate medical facility.

The government also established a crisis cabinet following the disaster. Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho traveled to Fogo alongside Health Minister Miranda and Justice Minister Clóvis Silva, while authorities coordinated medical treatment and psychological support for affected families.

Officials said international partners could also be contacted if any patients needed medical evacuation for care that could not be provided locally.

Cape Verde declares two days of national mourning

The scale of the loss prompted Cape Verde’s government to declare two days of official national mourning for the 25 people who died.

In announcing the decision, the government expressed profound sadness over the loss of life and offered condolences to the victims’ families. Authorities also confirmed that emergency and medical resources had been mobilized to assist those injured and support relatives.

The crash is being described by local media as one of the worst road tragedies in Cape Verde’s history.

Cape Verde President José Maria Neves expressed his condolences to the families and friends of those who died and to the people of Fogo.

He called for the highest priority to be given to medical, psychological and social assistance for affected families, while also urging authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation into the cause of the crash.

Neves said the entire country was mourning alongside Fogo and thanked civil protection teams, healthcare workers, security forces and local residents who took part in the rescue operation.

Community left facing enormous loss

The São Filipe municipal authorities have been working alongside health officials, police, firefighters and other emergency services to support victims and their relatives.

The disaster has drawn expressions of solidarity beyond Cape Verde. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Cape Verdean people, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

For families on Fogo, however, attention remains on those still receiving medical care and on understanding how an outing to Chã das Caldeiras ended in such devastating circumstances.

Authorities have not yet announced a cause for the crash, and officials have called for a rigorous investigation as Cape Verde mourns at least 25 lives lost.