Seven Canadians were injured in a train collision near Machu Picchu, Peru, as confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, resulting in one death and around 30 injured, including tourists and a railway worker.
Overview of the Train Crash
The crash happened when two trains collided near the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, specifically in the Qoriwayrachina area. This incident led to the immediate suspension of rail services between Machu Picchu and Cuzco, according to Jhonathan Castillo Gonzalez, a captain with the local police department.
Impact on Passengers
In response to the accident, Global Affairs Canada confirmed that consular assistance was being provided to the affected Canadians. Minister Anand expressed her sympathies for those impacted and assured that officials were in close contact with local authorities.
Railway Operations and Safety Measures
IncaRail, the operator involved in the crash, reported that all train services had resumed as of Wednesday. They are offering affected passengers options for rescheduling or refunds through their official channels. Videos shared by local media depicted scenes of damaged train cars and broken windows.
Machu Picchu and Visitor Statistics
- Machu Picchu attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually.
- The site, renowned for its Inca architecture, was built in the 15th century.
- Visitor numbers have surged by about 25% over the last decade.
- Protests and political instability have occasionally disrupted tourism and rail services.
While the trains primarily transport tourists from the town of Aguas Calientes, visitors can also trek from Ollantaytambo, a journey that takes approximately four days. As tourism faces challenges, authorities continue to address safety and operational concerns to ensure the well-being of all travelers to this iconic site.
