FOGO ISLAND, CABO VERDE — At least 25 people have died after a passenger bus crashed on the island of Fogo in Cabo Verde, with children and teenagers making up a large number of the victims.

The devastating accident happened on Saturday, September 5, 2026, along the mountainous route between Chã das Caldeiras and Campanas de Cima, in the northern part of Fogo.

The bus reportedly left the road and plunged approximately 30 metres into a steep ravine, creating a major emergency response in an area that was difficult for rescue teams to access.

Cabo Verde accident details

What happened in the Cabo Verde accident?

The bus was travelling on a mountainous road on Fogo Island when it left the roadway and plunged down a steep slope.

The vehicle reportedly fell around 30 metres, landing in a difficult-to-reach ravine.

Emergency personnel, firefighters and civil-protection teams were sent to the area, but the terrain made the rescue and recovery operation particularly difficult.

At least 25 people were ultimately confirmed dead.

Several other passengers survived the crash but suffered injuries and were taken to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital for treatment.

Children and teenagers among the victims

The tragedy has caused widespread shock across Cabo Verde because many of those aboard the bus were young people.

Reports indicate that the passengers included students from communities including Curral Grande and Ponta Verde.

The trip was not an official school-organized excursion. Instead, reports indicate that the bus driver had organized an annual outing for young passengers before the beginning of the new school year.

The driver was also among those who died.

Fogo Island bus crash

The accident occurred on one of the mountainous routes around Fogo’s volcanic landscape.

The road between Chã das Caldeiras and Campanas de Cima passes through rugged terrain, and the crash site was difficult for emergency crews to reach.

Early accounts suggested that a tyre may have burst before the driver lost control, but authorities had not established a definitive cause. The circumstances remained under investigation.

No final determination should be made about what caused the accident until the official investigation is completed.

Cabo Verde declares national mourning

The scale of the tragedy prompted the Cabo Verde government to declare two days of national mourning.

The official declaration honored the victims and expressed solidarity with their families and those who were injured.

Flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast at public buildings, while public celebrations and events were cancelled during the mourning period.

The tragedy has also prompted messages of condolence from officials and neighboring countries.

Rescue operation and injured passengers

The difficult location of the crash complicated the emergency response.

Rescue workers had to operate in rugged terrain to reach the victims and survivors.

Several injured passengers were transported to the regional hospital on Fogo. Reports indicated that some of those injured were in serious condition.

Medical teams were also mobilized to support the island’s health services following the large number of casualties.

Investigation into the Cabo Verde accident

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The precise reason the bus left the road has not been conclusively established.

Investigators are expected to examine the vehicle, the road, weather and driving conditions, as well as witness accounts, as they work to determine what happened.

Until that investigation is completed, reports concerning a possible tyre failure or other contributing factors should be regarded as preliminary.

A tragedy that has shocked Cabo Verde

The Fogo Island crash has become one of the country’s most devastating recent road tragedies.

The deaths of so many young people have left families and communities mourning across Fogo and beyond.

For relatives waiting for news and for those who survived the accident, the aftermath will continue long after the rescue operation has ended.

Cabo Verde’s national mourning period reflects the scale of the tragedy and the profound impact the accident has had on the country.

Latest update

The confirmed death toll stands at at least 25 people, with many of the victims reported to be children and teenagers.

Several injured survivors remain under medical care, while authorities continue investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Further details concerning individual victims, funeral arrangements and the final cause of the accident may be released as authorities and families make additional information available.

Disclaimer

This article is based on information available following the September 5, 2026 bus accident on Fogo Island, Cabo Verde. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing, and details may change as authorities release additional information. Funeral arrangements and individual victim information should be confirmed through the respective families or official authorities before publication.