A fatal head-on collision between two trains on the single-track railway to Peru's ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu has resulted in one death and dozens of injuries, disrupting travel for hundreds of visitors.
Emergency Response and Casualty Details
The crash occurred on Tuesday, 31 December 2025, near Qoriwayrachina, an archaeological site on the line linking Ollantaytambo Station with Aguas Calientes, the gateway town for Machu Picchu. The train driver was killed in the impact. According to health officials, at least 40 people were injured, with 20 of them reported to be in a serious condition.
Police confirmed that foreign tourists were among those affected, though specific nationalities have not been publicly released. The US embassy in Peru has acknowledged that American citizens were injured in the incident. A major emergency response was launched, with over 20 ambulances dispatched to the scene, as stated in a local government announcement.
Widespread Travel Disruption and Operator Statements
The collision involved trains operated by the two rival companies serving the popular route: PeruRail and Inca Rail. In its aftermath, all rail services to the nearby city of Cuzco were suspended, stranding hundreds of tourists according to local media reports.
PeruRail issued a statement expressing deep regret for the incident. The company said its staff provided first aid to the driver "immediately" and assisted other affected passengers. The crash highlights ongoing challenges with transport infrastructure in the region, where the scenic 90-minute journey is a vital link for the 1.5 million annual visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Context of a Contested Tourist Destination
This tragic accident adds to recent turmoil surrounding the management and accessibility of Machu Picchu. The site, considered one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, has seen visitor numbers surge by around 25 percent. However, it has been plagued by political disputes and protests over operational concessions.
In a starkly similar event just months earlier, in September 2025, over 900 tourists were stranded after a PeruRail service was halted due to demonstrations. Residents had blocked the route with rocks and logs, protesting a lack of transparency in the process of replacing a key tourist bus operator. This latest crash underscores the persistent pressures on the transport network serving one of the world's most iconic tourist destinations.
