British tourists were involved in a tragic collision between two trains near a popular tourist destination, resulting in one fatality and 40 injuries. The incident occurred on a railway line transporting visitors to the renowned Machu Picchu in Peru from Ollantaytambo village.
The train operator, Inca Rail, confirmed its involvement in the crash, with reports indicating that the train driver, Roberto Cárdenas, lost his life. While it remains uncertain if any British nationals were among the injured, tourists were among those affected by the collision.
Footage from the scene captured the moment the two trains, operated by Inca Rail and PeruRail, collided while traveling towards each other on the track leading to Machu Picchu. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene following the crash, with passengers and crew seen urgently seeking medical assistance for the wounded.
Rescue efforts in the remote Andes mountain region have faced challenges due to the rugged terrain, causing concerns for travelers and tour operators. Cusco governor Werner Salcedo criticized the handling of casualty transportation, emphasizing the need for prioritizing the well-being of the injured over commercial interests.
Peruvian authorities have suspended local rail services to secure the area as rescue teams continue their efforts.