A tragic train collision near Machu Picchu on October 7, 2023, resulted in the death of the driver and left at least 40 individuals injured. The incident involved two trains operated by Inca Rail and PeruRail, which collided head-on while transporting tourists to the iconic South American destination. The driver, identified as Roberto Cárdenas, was the sole fatality in the accident.
Local media confirmed that tourists were among those injured, although it remains unclear if any British nationals were hurt. The crash occurred around 13:20 local time, or 18:20 GMT, prompting immediate emergency response efforts. Video footage from the scene depicts frantic passengers and staff urgently calling for medical assistance while some injured individuals received on-site care.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office stated, “We are supporting a number of British nationals involved in a train collision near Machu Picchu, Peru, and are in contact with the local authorities.” Both train operators confirmed their involvement in the tragic event. Inca Rail communicated that staff were dispatched promptly to assist in the evacuation of passengers in a secure manner.
Rescue Efforts Complicated by Terrain
Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the difficult terrain surrounding the crash site, raising concerns among tourists and travel operators. Local authorities, including Cusco governor Werner Salcedo, criticized the management of the situation, highlighting the chaotic nature of casualty transportation. Salcedo expressed his frustration, stating, “We are concerned about how the injured have been transferred according to the convenience of the clinics. The ministries are responsible for this. I hold the private clinics responsible if the injured suffer further complications because they have prioritized their business over providing genuine care for the lives of our visitors.”
In response to the incident, Peruvian officials have temporarily suspended local railway services to ensure safety while crews work to secure the area. The crash has spurred discussions regarding safety measures and emergency response protocols in one of the world’s most popular tourist regions.
As investigations into the cause of the collision commence, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of the injured and addressing the concerns raised by local authorities. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations and efficient emergency response systems in high-traffic tourist destinations.
