Train Collision Near Machu Picchu Leaves Dozens Injured
A serious collision between 2 trains on the railway leading to Machu Picchu in southeastern Peru resulted in injuries to at least 40 tourists, with approximately 20 reported to be in critical condition.
Reuters reported that 1 train driver died in the crash, while authorities have yet to confirm the nationalities of the injured passengers.
Machu Picchu, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, receives an average of 4,500 visitors every day according to official data.
Access to the historic site generally involves a train journey followed by a bus ride.
The collision occurred at 13:20 local time, which corresponds to 20:20 in Greece, on the line connecting Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu in the Cusco region of the Andes.
Ferrocarril Transandino, the company responsible for managing the railway, stated that trains operated by Inca Rail and PeruRail were involved, resulting in injuries and material damage.
Footage shared with RPP depicted tourists sitting along the tracks and the 2 trains showing visible damage from the impact.
RPP also reported 1 fatality, identifying the victim as the train driver Roberto Cardenas, though officials have not confirmed this information.
The Peruvian national news agency Andina later quoted the Cusco police chief, who clarified that 15 tourists were injured, with 1 in serious condition, correcting earlier conflicting reports.
