CUSCO, Peru — A tragic train crash near Machu Picchu has left one conductor dead and at least 40 passengers injured, shaking Peru’s tourism industry during the busy holiday season.
The collision happened Monday afternoon on the single-track railway connecting Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, a route used daily by hundreds of international visitors. The trains, operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail, collided head-on near Pampacahua.
Officials confirmed the victim was a train driver trapped in the wreckage. At least 20 passengers suffered serious injuries, while dozens more were treated for minor wounds. Emergency crews deployed 20 ambulances and firefighters to evacuate survivors to hospitals in Cusco.
Witnesses described chaos as passengers were thrown from their seats. “It was terrifying, people were screaming and bleeding,” said one tourist. Photos from the scene showed mangled railcars and rescue teams working across rugged terrain.
The Ministry of Transport suspended all rail services to Machu Picchu while investigators probe the cause. Authorities are examining whether human error, mechanical failure, or signaling problems triggered the crash.
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is Peru’s most visited attraction. More than a million tourists travel to the citadel each year, making the railway the lifeline of the country’s tourism economy.
Local officials warned that the single-track system is vulnerable to accidents if communication breaks down. Past incidents have raised concerns about overcrowding and infrastructure limits in the Andes.
Tourism operators expressed alarm, noting that both PeruRail and Inca Rail are heavily relied upon by international visitors. “This is devastating for Peru’s image as a safe destination,” said a Cusco-based travel agency director.
Government officials pledged accountability and stronger safety measures. “We will ensure passenger protection and improve oversight of rail operations,” Transport Minister Raúl Pérez said in a statement.
For many survivors, the trip to Machu Picchu was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Instead, it ended in tragedy on the tracks of the Andes, leaving Peru’s tourism industry facing tough questions about safety and reliability.
