A tragic train collision occurred near Machu Picchu, resulting in one fatality and injuring over 40 individuals. The incident, which took place at approximately 1:20 PM local time on Tuesday, involved two trains crashing head-on.
Details of the Machu Picchu Train Collision
According to eyewitness accounts, chaos erupted immediately after the crash. Niels Honkoop, a passenger, described seeing people crying and injured on the floor. He shared how he switched seats just before the accident, positioning himself at the rear of the train while many at the front suffered serious injuries.
Passenger Reactions and Immediate Aftermath
Honkoop reported that the train’s interior was heavily damaged. Shattered glass and debris were scattered across the carriage, with some passengers trapped. He aided fellow travelers by distributing painkillers from his recent dental procedure.
- Time of the incident: 1:20 PM local time (6:20 PM GMT)
- Fatalities: 1 train driver
- Injuries: Over 40 passengers
Following the collision, emergency medical teams arrived to assist the injured. Tourists were then transported to a nearby village for medical treatment and shelter.
Background on Train Services to Machu Picchu
The crash involved trains operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail, which run services between Ollantaytambo Station and Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The typical journey lasts around 90 minutes.
Official Responses and Investigation
The UK Foreign Office confirmed their support for British nationals impacted by the incident, while the US embassy also reported injuries among American citizens. PeruRail expressed deep regret over the accident, stating that their staff provided immediate first aid to the affected individuals.
The precise cause of the collision remains under investigation. This incident comes amid ongoing tensions regarding transportation access to Machu Picchu, where local communities dispute the transparency of the bidding process for transport providers.
Machu Picchu: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Recognized as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel located in the Peruvian Andes. To mitigate the effects of over-tourism, officials imposed a daily visitor cap in 2011, although concerns continue to surface regarding the site’s sustainability.
