Cape Verde to Cover Funeral Costs After Deadly Bus Crash
The Cape Verdean government has pledged full financial support for the families of the 25 victims killed in a devastating bus crash on Fogo Island. The accident, which occurred Saturday, is being described by officials as the deadliest single-day tragedy in the nation’s history.
State to Cover Funeral and Travel Costs
Following an emergency meeting of the government’s crisis cabinet, Health Minister Lúcio Miranda announced that the state will cover all funeral expenses for the victims. Additionally, the government will fund travel costs for immediate family members traveling from the capital, Praia, to Fogo to mourn their loved ones and handle arrangements.
“We must provide the greatest support possible in the coming days,” Minister Miranda stated, noting that authorities are working closely with the Municipality of São Filipe to identify and meet the specific needs of the grieving families.
A Toll of Young Lives
The accident has sent shockwaves through the archipelago, particularly because the majority of the 25 victims were teenagers and children. The tragedy occurred when a bus carrying students returning from a recreational excursion veered off the road and plunged 30 meters down a ravine in the locality of Campanas de Cima.
José Pedro Gonçalves, a delegate for the Ministry of Education, clarified that while the passengers were students, the trip was not an official school-sanctioned event. Instead, it was an annual tradition organized by a local driver for the students he transported throughout the school year.
Medical Reinforcements and National Mourning
The death toll remains at 25, with 14 others currently hospitalized at the São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital. Four of the survivors are reported to be in serious condition. To manage the crisis, the government has dispatched a specialized medical team from the islands of São Vicente and Santiago. This team includes neurosurgeons, cardiologists, and intensive care specialists to assist with critical diagnoses and potential medical evacuations.
In addition to medical staff, the Cape Verdean Red Cross has deployed a pre-hospital emergency team to provide psychological and logistical support to those affected by the crash.
Global and National Response
Cape Verde has declared two days of national mourning to honor the victims. The first funerals began Saturday night, with more scheduled throughout Sunday.
The international community has also stepped in to offer aid. The United Nations System in Cape Verde expressed its “deep sorrow” and confirmed it is coordinating with national authorities to provide technical and financial assistance to support the recovery efforts.
Image: Pexels – Chus García
