The Diocese of Santiago, in Cabo Verde, expressed "deep sadness and consternation" over the road accident that occurred on Fogo island, which caused more than two dozen dead, including several members of local ecclesial structures, such as altar servers, catechists and members of choir groups.
The accident happened in the locality of Campanas de Cima, when the vehicle that was transporting students on a school trip left the roadway and fell from a height of approximately 30 meters, according to information from the Municipal Council of São Filipe.
The municipality of São Filipe declared two days of municipal mourning and maintained a team at the scene, in coordination with the Health Delegation, the National Police and the Voluntary Municipal Firefighters, to provide assistance to the victims and their relatives.
The President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, José Maria Neves, presented institutional condolences, while the Prime Minister, Francisco Carvalho, expressed the Government's sorrow for the loss of lives in the accident.
