Nine Dead, 15 Injured in Peruvian Andes Tour Bus Crash Near Rajuntay Mountain
A tragic accident in the Peruvian Andes has resulted in nine fatalities and 15 injuries after a minibus carrying holidaymakers on an excursion plunged off the road. The incident occurred near the famous 17,969-foot Rajuntay mountain, approximately 10 miles away, as confirmed by local firefighters who reported around 25 tourists and guides were on the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Emergency Response and Casualty Details
Peru's Health Ministry issued a statement overnight, confirming the grim toll: 'The incident has left 15 people injured who have been transferred to four different hospitals. Nine people have died, seven at the scene of the accident and two in hospital.' The ministry emphasized that through its emergency teams, full assistance would continue to be offered to the casualties.
Firefighters involved in the rescue operation described the scene: 'A tourist bus that veered off the road and overturned on the highway toward Marcapomacocha, approximately 15 kilometres from the Rajuntay snow-capped mountain.' They noted that upon arrival, an emergency triage was immediately conducted to classify victims by injury severity and prioritize evacuation to health centers with greater care capacity.
Rescue and Medical Efforts
The rescue teams evaluated and stabilized the affected individuals on site before transporting them to local health centers. One more serious case was referred to the Hospital of Matucana, while others were taken to the Casapalca clinic, with support from the National Police of Peru. The accident occurred around 5 PM local time on Sunday, with pictures from the scene showing the crashed vehicle overturned and passenger belongings scattered on the ground.
Investigation and Contributing Factors
An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with local reports suggesting foggy conditions in the area at the time could have been a factor. Additionally, local media reported that the road the bus was traveling on is unpaved and located in difficult terrain, which may have contributed to the severity of the crash. Authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances leading to this devastating event.
