Tragic Train Collision Near Machu Picchu: One Fatality and Numerous Injuries

Thu Jan 01 2026 05:55:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A head-on collision involving two trains near Machu Picchu resulted in one death and over 40 injuries, sparking urgent medical response and ongoing evacuations of tourists.

On December 31, a tragic train accident near Machu Picchu led to the death of a train driver and injured at least 40 passengers, with some in critical condition. The collision involved two trains on a single-track route, leading to heightened concerns about tourist safety and transport regulations. Emergency services were deployed to assist injured passengers, but difficult terrain has complicated evacuation efforts, leaving many tourists stranded.

A train driver has died and at least 40 people have been injured in a head-on rail collision near Peru's most popular tourist attraction, Machu Picchu.

Two trains collided on the single track leading to the ancient Inca town on Tuesday, according to a statement from the local government.

It said that 20 ambulances had attended the scene and that injured people had been transferred to medical facilities in the nearby city of Cusco.

The US embassy in Peru confirmed that US citizens were injured in the crash, while the UK Foreign Office stated it was supporting a number of British nationals involved.

Local media outlet Peru21 reports that hundreds of tourists are still at the scene awaiting evacuation, which has been complicated by difficult terrain surrounding the crash site.

At least 20 of the injured are in serious condition, a health official told the Reuters news agency.

The collision occurred on the track linking Ollantaytambo Station and Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. The journey between the two stations usually takes around 90 minutes.

The two trains involved in the accident were operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail, respectively.

We deeply regret what has happened, PeruRail said in a statement, adding that its staff had immediately provided first aid to the train driver, the train conductor, and the passengers involved in the incident.

The cause of the accident has not yet been revealed, and the crash comes amid an ongoing dispute regarding transport services to the UNESCO World Heritage site, with local communities expressing dissatisfaction with the bidding processes for transport provisions.

Built in the Peruvian Andes in the 15th Century, the Incan city of Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Tourists typically reach the site via a mix of trains and buses or by hiking along the Inca trail with registered tour operators.

Concerns about overtourism have been raised since officials implemented a daily visitor cap in 2011 to protect and preserve the historic site.