Bus crash in Cape Verde kills 25

At least 25 people died when a bus carrying schoolchildren and teenagers plunged into a steep ravine on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde on Friday evening. The crash occurred on the main road that runs along the island’s western coast, near the town of Mindelo. Emergency crews reached the wreckage within half an hour, but most of the passengers had already lost their lives in the impact. The bus, which had about 50 people on board, was heading to a sports event when it left the road and fell into a 200‑metre deep gorge.

The tragedy has hit a country that relies heavily on tourism and a small, tight‑knit population of just over 500,000. Cape Verde has struggled with road safety for years; its narrow, winding highways and limited infrastructure make bus travel risky, especially for young passengers who often travel in overcrowded vehicles. The loss of so many children and teenagers has shocked the nation and highlighted the urgent need for safer public transport. In recent years the government has tried to improve road signage and bus maintenance, but enforcement remains weak.

Investigators say the accident may have been caused by a combination of driver fatigue, poor road conditions, and the bus’s mechanical state. The driver, who was 42, had reportedly been driving for more than eight hours without a break, and the bus’s brakes were found to be worn during the post‑accident inspection. Weather played a role as well: the island was experiencing a heat wave that night, which can increase fatigue and reduce visibility. Authorities are also examining whether the road’s guardrail was adequately maintained, as it failed to stop the bus from leaving the roadway.

The government has ordered a full inquiry and has suspended the driver’s licence pending the outcome. President José Mário Neves has declared a day of mourning and promised compensation for the victims’ families. The transport ministry is reviewing existing safety regulations and plans to introduce stricter licensing tests for bus drivers, mandatory rest periods, and better funding for road maintenance. Meanwhile, local communities are holding vigils and the national parliament is debating emergency legislation to improve road safety. The incident has underscored how fragile Cape Verde’s transport infrastructure remains and has prompted calls for comprehensive reforms to prevent a repeat of this loss.