Tragedy strikes Peru: Trains Involved in deadly head-on collision near iconic Machu Picchu site

A deadly train collision took place near Machu Picchu in Peru’s Cusco region on December 30, when two trains collided head-on on a single-track line, killing a train driver and injuring more than 40 passengers. Emergency services rushed to the remote crash site, with at least 20 ambulances deployed to evacuate the wounded to nearby hospitals. Authorities said evacuation efforts were hampered by difficult terrain, leaving hundreds of passengers temporarily stranded. Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and identify those injured, including reports that U.S. citizens may be among the victims. The trains involved were operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail, with PeruRail expressing deep regret over the incident.