Cape Verde Bus Tragedy: Brake Failure and Overcrowding Blamed
Overheated brakes caused the catastrophic bus plunge on the island of Fogo that killed 25 people in September, a government-led commission of inquiry announced on Monday. The accident stands as one of the deadliest road tragedies in the history of the Cape Verde archipelago.
‘Total Loss’ of Braking Power
Emanuel Almeida, Cape Verde’s Director-General of Road Transport, revealed that the crash was primarily triggered by “the total loss of braking effectiveness due to severe thermal fatigue.” However, the inquiry uncovered a harrowing list of safety failures that contributed to the disaster.
Investigators found that the bus’s braking system suffered from extreme wear and dangerous “artisanal” repairs, including unauthorized welds and metallic additions. Furthermore, the vehicle was operating illegally; its last mandatory technical inspection had expired six months before the accident.
Overcrowding and “High-Risk” Terrain
At the time of the crash on September 5, the bus was carrying 38 passengers—most of whom were young students—despite being licensed for only 30 seats.
The tragedy occurred on a notoriously steep descent between Piorno and Campanas de Cima. With a 19% incline, the route requires constant braking, yet the inquiry noted a complete lack of protective barriers or reinforced signage. Almeida described the stretch of road as a “high-risk scenario” that lacked the passive containment systems, such as metal barriers or walls, necessary for such demanding terrain.
A Call for Structural Change
The commission has submitted its final report to the Government, which has already begun deliberations in the Council of Ministers. The report outlines urgent recommendations to prevent future loss of life, including:
- The creation of a national response plan for high-risk road zones.
- The installation of runaway truck ramps (escape ramps) and dedicated brake-cooling zones.
- Enhanced vehicle monitoring and inter-institutional inspections.
- Improved driver training and the installation of protective barriers.
“We must transform this tragedy into change,” Almeida stated, noting that while the commission has identified the technical causes, judicial and police institutions will determine if criminal proceedings are warranted.
The bus, which plummeted approximately 30 meters down a slope, remains at the crash site as authorities coordinate its removal. In the wake of the disaster, the local community and schools continue to receive psychological support to cope with the immense loss.
Image: Pexels – Bibi Kiekens
