Seven Canadian individuals were among numerous individuals injured following a head-on collision between two trains in Peru on Tuesday, as confirmed by Global Affairs Canada. The incident occurred on the railway route to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the collision involving trains operated by Inca Rail S.A. and PeruRail S.A., primarily transporting tourists to the historic site, a train conductor lost his life, and 40 others sustained injuries. A health official informed Reuters that approximately 20 individuals were in critical condition.
The injured individuals, including the Canadians, consist of foreign tourists. Global Affairs expressed condolences for the individuals affected by the accident and mentioned that Canadian officials are offering consular support while liaising with local authorities, citing privacy concerns for disclosing further information.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed deep sorrow over the crash and stated that Global Affairs officials are providing consular aid to the affected individuals, staying in close communication with local authorities. Anand emphasized Canada’s solidarity with the people of Peru, extending sympathies to all those impacted.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the collision. Images shared on social media immediately after the incident displayed the severely damaged locomotives facing each other on the tracks, with shattered glass scattered around and injured individuals receiving treatment on the track sides.
Machu Picchu, situated in the Peruvian Andes, serves as the country’s top destination for tourists, attracting over a million visitors globally each year.
