Seven Canadian individuals were among numerous people injured when two trains collided head-on in Peru on Tuesday, according to Global Affairs Canada. The incident occurred on the railway that leads to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The collision resulted in the death of a train operator and left 40 others injured. The trains involved were operated by Inca Rail S.A. and PeruRail S.A., which primarily cater to tourists visiting the historic site. A health official informed Reuters that approximately 20 individuals were in critical condition.
Foreign visitors, including the Canadians, were among those injured in the collision. Global Affairs Canada expressed condolences, stating they are aware of the Canadian citizens injured in Peru and are providing consular support. Due to privacy concerns, further details were not disclosed.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed deep sadness over the incident and mentioned that Canadian officials are offering consular aid to the affected individuals and maintaining close communication with local authorities. Anand also conveyed Canada’s solidarity with the people of Peru and extended sympathies to all those impacted.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the collision. Images shared on social media shortly after the accident depicted the severely damaged trains facing each other on the tracks, with shattered glass scattered around and injured individuals receiving medical attention.
Machu Picchu, situated in the Peruvian Andes, is a major tourist attraction in the country, attracting over a million visitors annually from various parts of the world.