Cape Verde: Bus Accident Claims at Least 24 Lives on Fogo Island

Sunday 06 September 2026 - 10:44

A serious road accident struck Fogo Island in Cape Verde on Saturday night. A bus was involved in an accident that resulted in at least 24 deaths and eight injuries, according to local authorities. The majority of the victims are reported to be children and adolescents.

A Particularly Heavy Human Toll

The accident occurred Saturday night on Fogo Island, in the municipality of São Filipe. According to local civil protection representative, Jose Canuto, 24 people lost their lives in the tragedy.

Eight other passengers were injured. Some are in critical condition, according to information released to the press on Sunday and transmitted to AFP.

The most tragic aspect of this accident lies in the age of many of the victims. The deceased are primarily children and adolescents, making this disaster particularly painful for the local community.

Rescue Efforts Mobilized on Fogo Island

Following the accident, rescue and civil protection services intervened to assist the victims. The injured were evacuated to receive necessary medical care, while authorities began to establish a precise assessment of the tragedy.

At this stage, the available information does not yet allow for a precise determination of the circumstances that led to the accident. An investigation will be necessary to establish the cause of the incident and determine any potential responsibilities.

An Unusually Severe Accident in Cape Verde

The tragedy occurs in a country where particularly deadly road accidents are relatively rare. The road infrastructure of the archipelago is generally considered to be in good condition, according to information reported by local authorities.

The toll of this accident appears even more exceptional given its scale. With at least 24 deaths and eight injuries, it constitutes one of the most severe road accidents recorded recently in the archipelago.

Fogo Island in Shock

Located in the southwest of Cape Verde, Fogo is known for its volcano and mountainous landscapes. São Filipe is its main city and serves as an important administrative center of the island.

The accident has plunged the local community into mourning, as the families of the victims now face the consequences of this tragedy.

Authorities are expected to continue identification operations and investigations aimed at understanding the exact circumstances of the accident. The toll may also evolve depending on the health status of the eight injured individuals.