At least 37 people were killed and dozens injured in Peru when a bus plunged into a 200m (650ft) deep ravine after a head-on collision.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning on a rugged stretch of the Pan-American Highway that connects Peru with Chile in the country's southern region of Arequipa.
Local media say the bus was carrying 60 passengers when it smashed into a pickup truck on a curve, careered off the road, and fell down to the banks of the Ocoña River.
Bus crashes are common in Peru, particularly at night and on mountain highways, often due to poor road conditions, excessive speed, and lack of safety signage.
The bus, operated by the Llamosas company, was heading from Chala, a town in Caraveli province, to Arequipa.
Both drivers reportedly survived the crash, which occurred at kilometer 780 of the Pan-American Highway South.
Pictures from the scene show the wrecked bus at the bottom of a steep ravine—its windows shattered, bodywork damaged, and roof caved in.
Waldor Llerena, Ocona's district mayor, stated that the terrain around the crash site is very rugged and noted that the area has a history of similar deadly accidents.
Thirty-six people died at the scene and another passed away in hospital, according to Walther Oporto, Arequipa's regional health chief, citing firefighters at the scene.
Health officials reported that 25 individuals, including three minors, are currently being treated for injuries in a local hospital.
An ongoing investigation aims to determine the causes of the crash, and the driver of the pickup truck has been detained, as advised by the Public Prosecutor's Office.
In 2022, more than 3,300 people lost their lives in traffic accidents across Peru, according to official statistics.
The Pan-American Highway, stretching from Alaska to Argentina, is recognized as the world's longest road navigable by motor vehicle.
