Train Collision Near Machu Picchu Leaves One Dead and Dozens Injured

''Chaos'' Following Train Accident

A passenger described the "chaos" that ensued after a collision between two trains near Peru's most popular tourist attraction, Machu Picchu. Niels Honkoop, 33, told the BBC that he changed his seat midway through the journey, moving from the middle of the train to the back, just before the accident, which injured many of those seated in front.

"I saw people running and crying, and chaos erupted," he said. "I got off the train and saw people bleeding and with very serious injuries." A mechanic was killed, and at least 40 individuals were injured in the collision, which occurred around 1:20 PM local time (6:20 PM GMT) on Tuesday.

Mr. Honkoop noted that the table in front of him broke in two. Shattered glass was spread across the cabin floor, and many passengers were fallen and injured in the aisle. He observed one woman trapped between a bench and a table. He sought to help by moving baggage and providing painkillers, as he had just had a wisdom tooth extraction and had plenty of pain relief medication on hand.

The UK Foreign Office stated it was "supporting a number of British citizens involved" in the accident, while the US embassy in Peru announced that American citizens were also injured. After the accident, another train arrived with medical assistance. He and his group of tourists were taken to a nearby village where they received food and medical care before being moved to a hotel.

The collision occurred on the railway line connecting the Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. The journey between the two stations usually takes about 90 minutes. The trains involved were operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail.

"We deeply regret what happened," stated PeruRail in a message, adding that its staff provided "immediate" first aid to the mechanic, conductor, and passengers involved in the incident. The cause of the accident has not yet been clarified. This incident occurs amidst an ongoing dispute between transport providers to the UNESCO World Heritage site, with local communities dissatisfied with what they consider to be a lack of transparency in the bidding process.

Trains and buses that transport tourists to the ancient city have high ticket prices and can be extremely profitable for operators due to limited access. Built in the Peruvian Andes in the 15th century, the Incan city of Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can take a variety of trains and buses to reach the site or hike the Inca Trail with a licensed tour operator. In 2011, authorities implemented a cap on daily visitors to protect and conserve the site, but concerns about overtourism persist.