AT LEAST 20 people have been killed after a bus carrying schoolchildren plunged into a 100ft ravine.
The tragedy unfolded at 9pm on the volcanic island of Fogo in Cape Verde.
Officials said the schoolbus had been travelling along a cliffside road when it careened off the edge on Saturday.
The bus “was carrying students on an outing” between Cha das Caldeiras and Campanas de Cima according to the local Sao Filipe Municipal Council.
Last night the death toll stood at 18 but the number has since risen to 22, according to officials.
Rescue teams are struggling to climb down the steep ravine – making it difficult to pull out survivors.
A further 19 people have been rushed to São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital with four said to be in “serious condition”.
The outing had been organised by the bus driver – who was among those killed in the crash – according to the São Filipe education minister, José Pedro Gonçalves.
Tragically, the trip was an annual tradition betwen the bus driver and the kids he transported to school every day, usually at the start of the summer holidays or o mark the beginning of the new school year.
The council made a heartbreaking statement on social media last night, writing: “At this moment of immense pain, there are no words that can ease the anguish of those who have lost a loved one or of those who are following this tragedy with suffering.
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“Even so, it is the Municipality’s duty to express its most sincere condolences and to guarantee its full availability to provide all necessary support.
“Today, the sadness belongs to every family, but also to our entire community, which comes together in mourning, solidarity and prayer.”
The council has declared two days of official mourning for the victims.
Police have launched a probe into the cause of the horror crash.
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