Quick Read
- A head-on collision between PeruRail and Inca Rail tourist trains near Machu Picchu killed one and injured at least 40.
- The crash disrupted travel between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, stranding hundreds of tourists.
- Authorities evacuated over 2,000 people and restored rail service after inspections; the cause is still under investigation.
The legendary journey to Machu Picchu—a rite of passage for travelers from around the globe—turned tragic on Tuesday when two tourist trains collided head-on on the track linking Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Peru’s most cherished World Heritage site. The crash claimed the life of a railroad worker and left at least 40 people injured, according to official reports from BBC, KATV, and statements from Peruvian authorities.
For many, the trip to Machu Picchu is a dream realized: winding through the lush valleys of the Andes, the train ride offers a dramatic prelude to the ancient Incan city perched high above the Urubamba River. But this week, that anticipation was shattered in a moment of chaos and confusion, as recounted by survivor Niels Honkoop. The 33-year-old passenger told BBC that he had moved seats just before impact, a small decision that may have spared him serious injury. “I saw staff running around and people crying and people on the floor and chaos erupted,” Honkoop said, describing the aftermath. Shattered glass covered the carriage floors; wounded travelers lay in the aisles, one trapped painfully between a bench and a table.
Honkoop, still clutching painkillers left over from a dental surgery, tried to help, passing medicine and moving luggage to clear paths for the injured. Outside, the scene was equally grim: bleeding passengers, some with severe wounds, waited for assistance as emergency responders rushed to the site. Rescue efforts included another train arriving to provide medical aid and evacuate passengers to a nearby village, where food and care awaited.
The collision occurred at approximately 13:20 local time (18:20 GMT), involving trains operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail. The crash’s cause remains under investigation, but it has already reignited longstanding tensions over the lucrative, tightly controlled transport routes to Machu Picchu. Local communities have voiced frustration over what they see as a closed bidding process for operating these services, which command steep prices due to the region’s limited accessibility. For many visitors, these trains are the only practical way to reach the iconic site—unless they opt for the challenging trek along the Inca Trail.
Authorities acted swiftly in the aftermath. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) expressed deep regret, activating the Tourist Protection Network and coordinating emergency response across agencies. The U.S. Embassy in Peru confirmed that several U.S. citizens were among the injured, while the UK Foreign Office provided support to British nationals affected. President José Jerí visited clinics in the Cusco region, receiving updates on the victims’ conditions and assuring continued care.
In the hours following the disaster, rail service between Cuzco and Machu Picchu was suspended, stranding hundreds of travelers. By early morning, however, authorities restored train operations after thorough safety inspections. Approximately 2,000 people—both foreign tourists and Peruvian nationals—were evacuated to Ollantaytambo to ensure their safety.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the challenges of balancing tourism and preservation. Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century by the Incas, attracts around 1.5 million visitors annually, most arriving by train to Aguas Calientes. In 2011, Peru imposed a daily cap on visitors in a bid to safeguard the fragile site, but concerns about over-tourism persist. The collision underscores not only the risks inherent in high-volume tourist infrastructure but also the need for transparent, community-supported management.
While the cause of the crash is still unknown, the event has prompted questions about safety standards and oversight among transport providers. Both PeruRail and Inca Rail issued statements expressing regret and outlining their immediate response. The investigation continues, with the hope that lessons learned will prevent future tragedies on the tracks to one of humanity’s great wonders.
This tragedy, unfolding on the rails to Machu Picchu, highlights the delicate intersection between modern tourism and ancient heritage. As authorities probe the causes and communities demand fairer access, the world watches—a reminder that even on the path to awe-inspiring history, safety and transparency must never be taken for granted. (BBC, KATV)