At least 20 dead & several seriously injured after bus carrying schoolchildren plunges 100ft into rocky ravine

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. Rescuers are struggling to climb down the steep impasse Harrowing photos show the bus smashed at the bottom of the ravine 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. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! 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 hospitalised with four in “serious condition”. The outing had been organised by the bus driver – who was among those killed in the crash – according to a school spokesperson. 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. “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. Most read in The Sun “The Municipal Council informs that it currently has a team on the ground, in close coordination with the Health Delegation, the National Police, the Volunteer Municipal Firefighters and other competent authorities, with a view to ensuring immediate assistance to the victims and their respective families.” The council has declared two days of official mourning for the victims. Police have launched a probe into the cause of the horror crash. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now