A tragic bus accident in Peru resulted in the deaths of at least 37 individuals and left dozens more injured. The incident occurred early on Wednesday morning along a challenging section of the Pan-American Highway in the Arequipa region, which connects Peru to Chile.
Reports indicate that the bus, carrying approximately 60 passengers, collided head-on with a pickup truck while navigating a curve. Following the collision, the bus veered off the road and fell into a deep ravine, approximately 200 meters (650 feet) down to the banks of the Ocoña River. The bus was operated by the Llamosas company and was on a journey from Chala to Arequipa when the accident occurred.
Survivors included both drivers of the vehicles involved. Local authorities noted that the crash site is known for its difficult terrain and a history of similar fatal accidents. Photos from the scene depict significant destruction to the bus, with shattered windows and a severely damaged structure.
Health officials reported that 36 victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with one additional fatality occurring later in a hospital. As of now, around 25 people, including three minors, are receiving medical treatment for their injuries. An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash, and authorities have detained the driver of the pickup truck.
In 2022, over 3,300 people lost their lives in traffic-related incidents in Peru, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on the nation’s roads, especially on mountainous or poorly maintained highways. The Pan-American Highway itself, believed to be the longest road in the world, spans 48,000 kilometers from Alaska to Argentina.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1d015pz12po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss