A devastating Cape Verde school bus crash has killed at least 25 people on Fogo Island, bringing international attention to road safety on one of the country’s most dramatic volcanic islands.
The bus left the road in the mountainous Campanas de Cima area on Saturday, September 5, before plunging roughly 30 meters, or about 100 feet, into a ravine. Most of those on board were children and teenagers, while several other passengers were injured.
The tragedy is particularly significant for travelers because Fogo is known for its rugged volcanic terrain, mountain roads and trips to Chã das Caldeiras, one of the island’s best-known visitor destinations.
What Happened in the Cape Verde Bus Crash?
According to local officials and international reports, the passenger bus was traveling along the Campanas de Cima route on Fogo Island when it left the road and fell into a steep ravine.
The crash occurred late on Saturday as the group was returning from an outing involving students. Reports indicate that the trip had been privately organized by the driver rather than being an official school-organized excursion. The driver was also among those killed.
Emergency crews faced difficult conditions while trying to reach passengers because of the rocky and mountainous terrain.
Authorities have not yet established the cause of the Fogo Island bus crash, and an investigation is continuing.
Where Did the Fogo Island Crash Happen?
The accident occurred around Campanas de Cima on Fogo Island, part of the Atlantic island nation of Cabo Verde, commonly known internationally as Cape Verde.
Fogo is famous for its spectacular volcanic landscape and Pico do Fogo, the country’s highest mountain. Trips through the island often involve steep, winding roads connecting communities and the volcanic interior.
The passengers had reportedly visited Chã das Caldeiras, the settlement located inside the volcanic caldera surrounding Pico do Fogo, before the accident.
For international visitors researching Fogo Island travel, the accident is therefore likely to raise questions about transportation and road conditions.
Is Fogo Island Safe to Visit After the Bus Crash?
The crash is a major tragedy, but travelers should distinguish between a serious individual road accident and a broader travel restriction affecting Cape Verde.
As of September 6, 2026, the U.S. State Department lists Cabo Verde overall at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Its travel guidance nevertheless warns visitors to use caution on the roads. Outside several of the main islands, roads can be narrow, winding and cobbled, while mountain routes can become more hazardous during the rainy season.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also continues to provide travel advice for Cape Verde and specifically warns that intercity bus services can present safety risks because of poor driving. It notes that heavy rain between roughly mid-August and mid-October can also cause flooding, landslides and transportation problems.
There has not been a countrywide travel shutdown announced in the official guidance cited here because of Saturday’s accident.
Cape Verde Road Safety: What Travelers Should Know
The Cape Verde school bus crash has put renewed focus on transportation safety, particularly for visitors planning to explore mountainous islands such as Fogo.
The U.S. State Department says roads on some Cabo Verde islands can be narrow and winding. Roads may also be poorly lit at night, while rain can make cobblestone surfaces slippery. It advises travelers to exercise caution when driving and notes that speeding, aggressive driving and passing on blind curves contribute to accidents.
Travelers visiting Fogo can reduce risk by:
- Using established and reputable transportation providers.
- Avoiding unnecessary road journeys after dark.
- Wearing a seat belt whenever one is available.
- Checking weather conditions before traveling through mountainous areas.
- Asking hotels or established tour operators to recommend reliable drivers.
- Allowing additional travel time rather than encouraging drivers to rush.
- Checking official travel guidance before visiting remote areas.
These precautions are particularly relevant during Cape Verde’s rainy season.
What Travelers Planning a Trip to Fogo Island Should Do
Travelers who already have a trip booked to Fogo Island do not necessarily need to cancel their plans solely because of this accident. However, the incident is a reminder to review transportation arrangements carefully.
If your itinerary includes Pico do Fogo, Chã das Caldeiras or rural communities, ask your accommodation or tour operator how transportation will be provided.
Travelers should also check whether vehicles have functioning seat belts and avoid transport that appears overcrowded or poorly maintained.
The U.S. State Department currently recommends travel insurance for Cabo Verde and advises visitors to consider coverage that includes medical treatment and evacuation assistance.
The UK government similarly recommends appropriate travel insurance covering the traveler’s itinerary, planned activities and emergency costs.
Cape Verde Emergency Numbers for Travelers
Visitors currently in Cape Verde should know the country’s principal emergency numbers:
Ambulance: 130
Fire: 131
Police: 132
The UK government advises travelers involved in a serious incident abroad to contact their travel provider and insurance company for assistance.
Saving these numbers before traveling outside the major tourism centers can be useful, especially when visiting more remote areas.
What Authorities Have Said
Cape Verde President José Maria Pereira Neves described the accident as a major catastrophe and expressed condolences to the families and communities affected.
Reports say many of the victims were young people, making the accident one of the most devastating recent road tragedies in the island nation.
The precise cause remains under investigation, so claims circulating online about exactly what caused the bus to leave the road should be treated cautiously until authorities release confirmed findings.
Does the Crash Affect Cape Verde Tourism?
At this stage, there is no evidence in the official travel guidance reviewed for this article of a nationwide restriction on tourism to Cape Verde resulting from the crash.
That distinction is important.
Cape Verde consists of multiple islands, and an accident on a road in Fogo does not automatically mean that destinations such as Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago or São Vicente are affected.
However, travelers heading specifically to Fogo should pay closer attention to local conditions and transport arrangements in the days following the accident.
Fogo Island Travel Safety After the Accident
Fogo remains one of Cape Verde’s most distinctive destinations, attracting travelers interested in volcanic scenery, hiking and local communities.
But its geography also means road travel deserves more planning than it might on flatter resort islands.
The U.S. government notes that Fogo is home to an active volcano, while the UK advises travelers to check conditions before traveling to Fogo or neighboring Brava because seismic activity can occasionally occur.
Visitors planning hikes or excursions should therefore consider both road conditions and natural hazards when preparing their itinerary.
Should You Cancel a Trip to Cape Verde?
Based on the official travel advisories available on September 6, travelers do not currently have a general government recommendation to avoid Cabo Verde because of this crash.
Instead, visitors should monitor:
- Official Cape Verde authorities
- Airline or tour operator updates
- U.S. State Department travel advisories
- UK FCDO travel advice
- Local weather conditions
- Transportation conditions on Fogo Island
Travel plans can change quickly after a major local incident, so checking again shortly before departure is sensible.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are investigating what caused the bus to leave the Campanas de Cima road.
Further information could emerge about the vehicle, road conditions and circumstances surrounding the journey.
For travelers, the most important lesson is not to assume that every type of local transportation offers the same level of safety. When traveling through mountainous areas of Fogo Island, choosing established transport providers and avoiding unnecessary night travel can reduce exposure to known road risks.
Final Thoughts
The Cape Verde school bus crash on Fogo Island is first and foremost a human tragedy that has devastated families and communities.
At least 25 people were killed after the vehicle plunged into a ravine in the mountainous Campanas de Cima area, with many of the victims reported to be children and teenagers. The cause remains under investigation.
For tourists, the accident does not currently translate into a general warning against visiting Cape Verde. It does, however, reinforce the importance of researching local transportation, choosing reputable operators and staying informed about road and weather conditions when exploring Fogo.
This story is developing and travel guidance may change as authorities release additional information.
FAQ — para conseguir más búsquedas long-tail
Where did the Cape Verde school bus crash happen?
The accident occurred on the Campanas de Cima route on Fogo Island, Cape Verde, where the bus plunged into a steep ravine.
How many people died in the Fogo Island bus crash?
Authorities and major news organizations report that at least 25 people were killed, many of them children and teenagers.
What caused the Cape Verde bus crash?
The exact cause has not yet been determined, and authorities are investigating the accident.
Is Cape Verde safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently classifies Cabo Verde overall as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, although travelers are warned about road conditions and transportation risks.
Is Fogo Island open to tourists?
The official government travel guidance reviewed on September 6 does not announce a general tourism closure for Fogo Island because of the accident. Travelers should nevertheless monitor local updates before traveling.
