The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing consular support to a number of British nationals caught up in a fatal train crash near the iconic Machu Picchu site in Peru.
Details of the Collision
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 30, when two trains carrying tourists collided near Qoriwayrachina, an area which is itself an archaeological site. According to the railway operator, a train returning from the ancient Inca citadel collided with another travelling towards it in the early afternoon.
The crash resulted in one fatality, confirmed to be a railroad worker, and more than 30 people injured. The precise cause of the collision remains unconfirmed by authorities.
Local media footage from the scene showed train carriages with significant damage, including broken windows and dented sides, stranded along the rail line.
Foreign Office Response and Travel Impact
In an official statement, a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting a number of British nationals involved in a train collision near Machu Picchu, Peru, and are in contact with the local authorities."
In the aftermath, the railway company suspended all services on the vital line that connects Machu Picchu with the city of Cuzco, disrupting travel for countless tourists. The popular site, built by the Incas in the 15th century, attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually.
Context of Machu Picchu Tourism
Tourism to the UNESCO World Heritage site has grown dramatically, with visitor numbers increasing by around 25% over the past ten years. However, the region's tourism industry has faced periodic challenges, including political unrest and disputes over the management of the historic sanctuary. These issues have sometimes led to protesters blocking the railroad, the main access route for most visitors.
For those unable to use the train, Machu Picchu can be reached via a multi-day trek on foot, often starting from the town of Ollantaytambo, a journey that typically takes about four days.
