Train Crash Near Machu Picchu Leaves One Dead and Dozens Injured

A Tragic Train Accident

A train accident occurred near Peru's most popular tourist attraction, Machu Picchu, involving a collision between two trains on a single-track railway. According to local authorities, one motorist has died, and at least 40 people have been injured. Twenty ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and the injured were transported to hospitals near the city of Cusco.

The U.S. Embassy in Peru has confirmed that American citizens are among the injured, and the British Foreign Office is involved in supporting affected British nationals. Local newspapers, such as Peru21, have reported that hundreds of tourists are waiting for evacuation from the area, as difficult terrain around the accident site is hindering prompt rescue efforts.

A health official mentioned that at least 20 of the injured are in serious condition. The collision took place on the track linking the Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. The journey between the two stations typically takes about 90 minutes, and the trains involved in the accident are operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail.

PeruRail expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that its staff immediately provided emergency assistance to those involved. The cause of the accident remains unclear, and the incident occurs amid disputes between transport providers to this UNESCO World Heritage site, with local communities dissatisfied over what they perceive as an opaque bidding process.

Built in the Peruvian Andes in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can reach the site via a series of trains and buses or can hike the Inca Trail with an authorized tour operator. Since 2011, officials have implemented a daily cap on visitors to protect and conserve the site; however, concerns regarding overtourism persist.