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Tourist Trains Collide on Machu Picchu Line, Killing Driver and Injuring Dozens

Service is suspended pending an inquiry into safety lapses flagged after a similar 2018 crash.

Overview

  • Two trains operated by Inca Rail and PeruRail collided head-on around 1:20 p.m. near Qorihuayrachina at kilometer 88 on the OllantaytamboMachu Picchu route.
  • Authorities confirmed the death of Inca Rail driver Roberto Cárdenas, with reports of at least dozens of injured passengers.
  • Ferrocarril Trasandino S.A., the line’s concessionaire, has temporarily suspended rail operations on the corridor.
  • Tourists and locals remain stranded in Machupicchu Pueblo and Ollantaytambo, saying they received little information or guidance from the operators.
  • Passengers reported the companies initially cited a mechanical failure before acknowledging the crash, as officials open a formal investigation referencing a comparable 2018 incident.