The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to a number of British nationals caught up in a fatal train crash near the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu in Peru.
Details of the Collision
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 30, when two trains carrying tourists collided near Qoriwayrachina, an archaeological site on the route. According to the railway operator, a train returning from Machu Picchu crashed with another travelling towards the iconic citadel in the early afternoon.
The collision resulted in one fatality, confirmed to be a railroad worker, and more than 30 people injured. Videos circulated in local media showed damaged carriages with broken windows and dented sides stranded on the track. The exact cause of the crash remains unconfirmed.
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. This disruption highlights the site's reliance on rail access for the vast majority of its visitors.
Machu Picchu's Tourism Context
The crash occurs against a backdrop of soaring visitor numbers to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by the Incas in the 15th century as a sanctuary for emperors, Machu Picchu now attracts approximately 1.5 million tourists annually. Notably, tourism to the site has surged by around 25% over the past decade.
However, tourism in the region has faced recent challenges, including political turmoil and disputes over the management of the historic site. These tensions have sometimes led to protesters blocking the railroad, the primary access route for most visitors. For those unable to use the train, an alternative four-day trek on foot from the town of Ollantaytambo remains an option.
