Two trains collide head-on in Peru, driver killed and more than 40 injured (Photo- Reuters)
Reuters, Cuzco (Peru). On Tuesday, two tourist trains collided head-on on the rail line leading to Peru's famous tourist destination Machu Picchu, killing a train driver and injuring more than 40 passengers. The accident occurred in the Pampacahua sector between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
According to police, the deceased has been identified as Inca Rail driver Roberto Cardenas Loayza. The injured included several foreign tourists, including American citizens. A health official said that the condition of about 20 injured is critical. The US Embassy also confirmed that American citizens were injured in the accident.
The trains involved in the accident were operated by Inca Rail S.A. and Peru Rail S.A. Which mainly carry tourists going to Machu Picchu. The collision occurred around 1:20 p.m., when one train was coming from Machu Picchu and the other was going there. Pictures and videos viral on social media show damaged locomotives standing opposite each other, with broken glass scattered all around and the injured being treated on the side of the track.
PeruRailway has suspended all rail services indefinitely following the accident. Police and prosecutors are investigating how the single-track collision occurred — possibly due to signaling failure or human error.
Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and attracts more than 1.5 million tourists each year, most of whom arrive by train. The accident occurred at the peak of the tourist season, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded.