Cape Verde has begun two days of national mourning following a devastating bus crash on Fogo Island that claimed the lives of 25 people, most of them children and teenagers.
Funeral services for 18 of the victims were held on Sunday afternoon, while the remaining seven victims were laid to rest earlier in the day.
Families, friends and residents gathered across Fogo Island to accompany the coffins to their final resting places and mourn the victims of the tragic accident.
The bus was returning to Sao Felipe late on Saturday after a day trip when it reportedly veered off the road and plunged into a deep ravine. Thirty-two people were travelling on the bus at the time of the crash.
The driver was among those who died. He had reportedly organised the annual excursion as a gift for pupils he transported to school during the academic year.
Rescue Teams Worked Through the Night
Emergency responders worked throughout the night to recover passengers trapped inside the wreckage and assist those who survived the crash.
By Sunday, 12 people remained hospitalised, including two who were reported to be in serious condition.
The accident has triggered widespread grief across Cape Verde, particularly among families and communities on Fogo Island.
President José Maria Neves attended funeral ceremonies for some of the victims and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities are expected to examine the cause of the accident and determine what led the bus to leave the road and plunge into the ravine.
The two-day mourning period is intended to give the country an opportunity to honour the victims and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families following one of the island’s most tragic recent accidents.
