Two trains collided head-on, resulting in one fatality and injuring 30 people, including tourists, close to a popular holiday destination. The incident occurred on the railway line that connects the renowned Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with the village of Ollantaytambo in Peru. The deceased individual was identified as Roberto Cárdenas, one of the train operators.
Reports indicate that the collision involved trains from Inca Rail and PeruRail traveling in opposite directions. Emergency services promptly responded to the scene around 1:20 pm local time. Witnesses captured videos showing passengers and staff urgently requesting medical assistance, with injured individuals receiving treatment on-site.
Inca Rail acknowledged its train’s involvement in the collision and immediately dispatched personnel to assist in evacuating passengers safely. Evacuation efforts have faced challenges due to the difficult terrain, causing apprehension among travelers and tour operators. Werner Salcedo, the governor of Cusco, criticized the disorganization in transferring the injured individuals, expressing concerns about prioritizing business interests over the well-being of those affected.
Peruvian authorities have suspended local rail services as crews work to secure the accident site and investigate the incident.