Peru Bus Crash: 4 Tourists Dead, 16 Others Injured in Tragic Accident After Visiting Machu Picchu Ancient Ruins

A bus carrying many foreign tourists crashed into a ravine after visiting the world-famous Machu Picchu ancient site in Peru on Sunday. Authorities said Monday that four tourists died while 16 others were injured.

Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains, is a famous tourist spot in Peru. It has been the symbol of ancient Peruvian culture. However, the road to the world-famous ancient ruins is not exactly safe.

According to France 24, three of those who died were Colombian tourists, while the other was Peruvian. Those who were hurt include four French people, two Greeks, two Israelis, two Canadians, two Argentines, two Peruvians, a Dutch person, and a Spaniard.

Peru's tourism and foreign business minister Roberto Sanchez said the bus fell down a ravine of "a little more than 100 meters" due to heavy fog conditions on a route at the Abra Málaga in Cusco City.

The Peruvian driver, identified as Sherwin Zevallos, a tour guide, and another Peruvian tourist were also hurt in the bus crash. The injured French tourists were identified as Julie Clard, Tom Lecuyer, Adrien Colotte, and Timothee Malexeiux, while the Canadians were Hugo Marijin and Francis Floya.

The others were identified as Myrto Arvaniti and Andres Sofianos of Greece, Hana Weinberger and Kfier Givony of Israel, Cecilia Luis and Pedro Batuecas of Argentina, and Jip Nekker of the Netherlands.

Peru Bus Crashed Over 100 Meters Down the Road After Machu Picchu Visit

Roberto Sanchez said they deeply regretted the loss of human lives and offered their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

The minister noted that the minibus was already on its way down from visiting Machu Picchu ancient ruins. However, it fell into an abyss 100 feet below the highway. According to Daily Mail, Abra Málaga is located at an altitude of about 14,200 feet and is known for frequently being foggy.

Many regard the area as a dangerous road to drive in, and the minister confirmed that there was fog in the area when the accident happened. He also said it happened at night when visibility is limited.

Sanchez noted that the four deceased tourists are now in a morgue in Cusco. He added that some of the injured tourists will be transferred to Peru's capital, Lima, via an Air Force plane.

Road Surveillance Remains Weak in Peru

Road accidents are very common in Peru, where drivers' recklessness and speeding, poor road surfaces, lack of road signs, and little control by authorities exacerbate the problem.

According to experts, road transport surveillance is also weak, and aid in accidents is slow. Many have suggested that a comprehensive transportation reform be implemented, but no government has initiated this supposed solution.

Three weeks ago, a similar accident occurred in Peru, where a minibus crashed into a ravine in the Junin province, resulting in the deaths of 16 people.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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