São Tomé Expresses Solidarity After Cape Verde Bus Tragedy
The government of São Tomé and Príncipe has formally expressed its solidarity with Cape Verde following a devastating road accident on Fogo Island that claimed 25 lives, most of whom were children and teenagers.
A ‘Deep Sense of Pain’
In a message addressed to the Cape Verdean government and its citizens, the São Toméan executive described the tragedy as a source of “deep consternation and pain.” The statement emphasized that the São Toméan nation “joins fraternally with the brotherly people,” sharing the grief caused by the catastrophic event.
Recognizing the profound impact on families and local communities, the government offered its “deepest solidarity” and renewed its commitment to the “eternal friendship” between the two Portuguese-speaking nations.
Details of the Tragedy
The accident occurred late Saturday night in the locality of Campanas de Cima, within the municipality of Santa Catarina do Fogo. A bus transporting students home from an excursion veered off the road, plunging approximately 30 meters down a steep embankment.
According to official reports from Cape Verdean authorities, the vehicle was carrying 39 passengers at the time of the crash. The death toll stands at 25, while 14 survivors remain hospitalized. Two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, requiring specialized medical intervention.
National Mourning
In response to one of the deadliest road accidents in the country’s recent history, the Cape Verdean government has declared two days of national mourning to honor the victims. Flags will fly at half-mast as the nation grapples with the loss of so many young lives.
Image: Pexels – dp singh Bhullar
