At least 25 people, mostly children and teenagers, have died after a bus plunged into a deep ravine on Cabo Verde’s Fogo Island.

The crash happened on Saturday as the bus, carrying 32 passengers, was returning to Sao Filipe after an excursion to Cha das Caldeiras, a village located inside the Pico do Fogo volcanic crater, citing AFP and Cabo Verde’s public radio network RCV.

The bus reportedly veered off the road and plunged into a rocky valley that was difficult for emergency responders to access. Several other passengers were injured, some seriously.

Jose Canuto, head of civil protection for Sao Filipe city, said emergency teams worked through the night to rescue people trapped in the wreckage.

The driver was among those killed. Authorities said he had organised the annual excursion as a gift for pupils he transported to school during the academic term.

Seven victims were buried early on Sunday, while the remaining victims were expected to be buried later that day, RCV reported.

Road accidents of this nature are considered uncommon in the West African island nation, where roads are generally regarded as being in good condition.