Two trains have collided in a head-on crash, resulting in one fatality and 30 injuries, including tourists, near a well-known holiday destination. The incident occurred on the railway connecting Machu Picchu, a historic Inca citadel, with Ollantaytambo village in Peru. The deceased individual was identified as Roberto Cárdenas, one of the train drivers.
Reports and videos indicate that the collision involved trains from Inca Rail and PeruRail moving in opposite directions. Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 1:20 pm local time. Multiple local news sources have confirmed that tourists were among those injured.
Footage from the site captures passengers and crew members calling for urgent medical assistance, with injured individuals being treated on the spot. Inca Rail has acknowledged its train’s involvement in the tragic incident, stating that their team promptly responded to the scene for necessary actions and passenger evacuation in an organized manner.
Challenges in evacuating the injured due to the difficult terrain have raised concerns among travelers and tour operators. Werner Salcedo, the governor of Cusco, criticized the handling of wounded individuals, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing proper care over business interests.
Peruvian authorities have suspended local rail services as efforts are underway to secure the crash site and investigate the collision.