What Caused the Deadly Machu Picchu Train Crash?

A tragic train collision near Machu Picchu, one of Peru's most cherished archaeological sites, has resulted in the death of a train driver and injuries to at least 40 others. This incident occurred on a single track leading to the ancient Inca town and highlights ongoing safety and operational concerns within Peru's rail transport system.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

On Tuesday, two trains collided on the crucial rail line connecting Ollantaytambo Station with Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. The local government reported that 20 ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and injured passengers were transported to medical facilities in Cusco. The US embassy has confirmed that American citizens were among those injured, although police have not yet verified the identities of any of the victims.

Key takeaways

• A train driver has died and over 40 people have sustained injuries due to a collision near Machu Picchu.
• The two trains were operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail, with at least 20 individuals reported to be in serious condition.
• Evacuations of tourists have been complicated by challenging terrain around the crash site.

Timeline: how we got here

Here is a brief timeline of key events leading up to the tragic accident:

• 15th Century: Machu Picchu is built as an Incan city in the Andes.
• 2011: Authorities implement daily visitor caps to combat overtourism at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• 17 October 2023: Two trains collide on the single track leading to Machu Picchu, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The tragic train collision has unveiled serious operational and safety challenges within Peru's rail services, particularly concerning the high-traffic route to Machu Picchu. The government has confirmed the presence of numerous injured individuals, including tourists from various countries.

What was already established

Concerns about the safety of transport systems leading to Machu Picchu have been a recurring issue, particularly regarding the bidding processes for transport services. Local communities have expressed dissatisfaction with perceived inequities in the allocation of transport contracts, raising questions on operational transparency.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The accident may affect UK tourists planning to visit Machu Picchu, prompting potential changes in travel arrangements and safety considerations. Those already in the area might face delays or cancellations, impacting their travel plans.

Businesses and jobs

Tourism operators, including PeruRail and Inca Rail, may experience a downturn in business as safety concerns arise. This could lead to job losses or reduced hours for employees in the sector, as confidence in rail transport may be shaken following the incident.

Policy and regulation

Following this incident, there may be increased scrutiny from the Peruvian government regarding rail safety regulations and operational protocols. Local communities might push for a review of the bidding processes for transport services to improve transparency and safety standards.

Numbers that matter

• 1: Fatality reported (the train driver).
• 40+: Total injuries reported from the collision.
• 20: Number of ambulances dispatched to the crash site.
• 2: Operators involved in the collision, PeruRail and Inca Rail.
• 90 minutes: Typical journey time between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.

Definitions and jargon buster

• UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, responsible for promoting world heritage sites.
• Inca Trail: A famous trekking route leading to Machu Picchu.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Immediate investigations into the cause of the accident will be crucial. Authorities are likely to assess safety protocols and may implement temporary changes to rail operations to ensure passenger safety.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Longer-term changes may involve a review of transport contracts and bidding processes to enhance transparency and safety standards. There may also be heightened scrutiny from international tourists regarding their travel choices.

Signals to watch

• Official reports on the investigation’s findings.
• Changes in transport regulations or bidding processes for services to Machu Picchu.
• Impact on tourism numbers to Machu Picchu and surrounding areas.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on travel advisories from the UK government regarding Peru.
• Consider alternative travel arrangements if planning to visit Machu Picchu in the near future.

Don’t

• Don’t disregard safety warnings or updates from local authorities.
• Don’t assume operations will resume as normal without consideration of new safety protocols.

Checklist

• Check travel insurance policies for coverage regarding accidents.
• Stay informed about the latest news reports on the incident.
• Have contingency plans if travel plans are disrupted.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The full scope of this accident is still unfolding, with many details yet to be confirmed. The identities of the injured and deceased, as well as the precise cause of the collision, are still under investigation. There are concerns about how this incident will affect future tourism dynamics and safety regulations in Peru.

Bottom line

This tragic accident underscores significant safety concerns within Peru's rail transport system. As investigations unfold, it is essential for potential visitors from the UK to remain informed about the situation and consider their safety when planning travel to Machu Picchu.

FAQs

What happened in the train collision near Machu Picchu?

A train collision occurred on 17 October 2023, resulting in the death of a train driver and injuries to over 40 passengers, highlighting ongoing safety issues in Peru's rail transport.

How many people were injured in the Machu Picchu train accident?

At least 40 people have been reported injured, with around 20 in serious condition following the collision of two trains on the route to Machu Picchu.

What are the implications for tourists planning to visit Machu Picchu?

Tourists may face delays and cancellations in travel plans, as well as heightened safety concerns regarding rail transport to Machu Picchu.