A serious head-on collision between two tourist trains near the ancient site of Machu Picchu in Peru has resulted in 15 people being injured, with tourists confirmed to be among the casualties. The crash occurred on Tuesday around lunchtime on the single track connecting Ollantaytambo to the world-famous landmark.
Chaos on the Tracks: The Immediate Aftermath
Disturbing video footage, sent by passengers to the RPP television channel, captured the scene's chaos. The clips showed injured victims lying beside the railway line, with two severely damaged locomotives stationary nearby. The remote Andean location, which lacks direct road access, complicated rescue efforts, prompting a swift dispatch of a dozen ambulances and medical teams to the site.
General Julio Cesar Becerra, the police chief for the Cusco region, informed the state news agency Andina that one person was seriously hurt. While the full list of nationalities has not been released, the US Department of State confirmed that American citizens were among those injured in the crash.
Travel Disruption and Official Warnings
The collision involved a train operated by PeruRail and another belonging to rival company Inca Rail. Rail agency Ferrocarril Transandino is investigating the incident, the cause of which remains unknown.
In response to the accident, the US State Department used social media platform X to advise travellers. Their post urged those with rail travel plans to contact their rail service provider directly regarding rescheduling or reimbursement. They further recommended that tourists consult their guides or agencies to adjust itineraries accordingly.
A Global Heritage Site Impacted
The crash has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry vital to the region. Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, is a monumental fortress built in the 15th century under Inca ruler Pachacutec. Perched at 8,200 feet, it is revered as a marvel of ancient engineering and architecture.
According to Peru's tourism ministry, the iconic site draws an average of 4,500 visitors each day, a significant proportion of whom are foreign nationals who rely on the rail link for access. The Daily Mail has contacted the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for comment on whether British citizens were affected.
