At least 25 people died on Saturday after a bus veered off a road and plunged into a ravine on Fogo Island, Cabo Verde. Most of those killed were children and teenagers.
The bus was carrying 32 passengers returning to Sao Filipe from an excursion to Cha das Caldeiras village, located inside the Pico do Fogo volcanic crater, public radio RCV reported on Sunday.
Jose Canuto, head of civil protection for Sao Filipe city, confirmed the toll and said several others were injured, with some in serious condition.
Such accidents are uncommon in Cabo Verde, where roads are generally well maintained.
Officials said the driver organized the trip every year as a gift for pupils he drove to school during term time. He also died in the crash.
Emergency crews worked through the night to reach the wreckage, which came to rest in a rocky valley that is hard to access.
Seven victims were buried early Sunday. According to RCV, the rest will be buried later in the day.
The government has not announced an official period of mourning, but flags are expected to fly at half-staff as the islands grieve one of its worst road tragedies in years.
