Peru train collision injures multiple US citizens on Machu Picchu route
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Two trains collided head-on on the railway line leading to Machu Picchu in Peru on Tuesday, killing a railroad worker and injuring dozens of people, including U.S. citizens, authorities in Peru said.
The Associated Press reported that the deceased was a railroad employee, according to Cuzco police department captain Jhonathan Castillo Gonzalez. Rail service along the route connecting Machu Picchu to the nearby city of Cuzco was suspended following the accident, Gonzalez said.
The U.S. Embassy in Peru said it received reports of a collision between two trains traveling between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Pueblo.
The rail line is the primary transportation corridor for tourists traveling to Machu Picchu, one of the most visited archaeological sites in South America.
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“U.S. citizens were among those injured in the accident,” the embassy said, adding that Peruvian authorities sent first responders to the scene of the accident.
The extent of injuries and the total number of people injured have not yet been determined. Authorities had not released information about what caused the collision as of Tuesday.
Located in a narrow valley along the Urubamba River, Aguas Calientes serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu and can be reached primarily by train or hiking trails.
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Authorities responded to a train collision near Machu Picchu in Peru on Tuesday. (Reuters)
The railway line connects Ollantaytambo with Aguas Calientes and passes through mountainous terrain. It is used by thousands of tourists every day, as well as local people and workers.
Located approximately 72 kilometers northwest of Cusco, Ollantaytambo is a major transportation hub in Peru’s Sacred Valley and a common starting point for rail travel to Machu Picchu. The region is known for its steep geography, limited road access and heavy dependence on rail transport.
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Train cars sit idle at the train station in the Peruvian town of Machu Picchu. The closure of Machu Picchu, the world-famous Inca ruins that can only be reached on foot or by train, amid protests and unrest, has dealt a major blow to the region that relies on its tourism economy. (Michael Robinson Chávez/Washington Post via Getty Images)
The U.S. Embassy encouraged anyone needing assistance following the accident to contact iPeru at +51 944-492-314.
According to authorities, all rail traffic between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes has been suspended.
Authorities responded to a train collision near Machu Picchu in Peru on Tuesday, December 30. (Reuters)
Passengers with upcoming rail plans are encouraged to contact their rail service provider directly to reschedule their trip or inquire about refund options.
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It is not yet known when the service will resume or how many passengers will be affected by the suspension.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
