Head-On Train Collision Near Machu Picchu Leaves One Dead and 40 Injured
December 31, 2025
Two trains collided head-on near Peru’s famous Machu Picchu on Tuesday around 13:20 local time. The crash killed one train driver and injured at least 40 people. Passenger Niels Honkoop, 33, told the BBC about the chaos inside the train. He said, "I saw staff running around and people crying and people on the floor and chaos erupted." He saw severe injuries and bleeding among passengers. Honkoop moved seats before the crash, saving himself since the front of the train was most damaged. He helped others by handing out painkillers, since he had some after a recent tooth removal. The UK Foreign Office confirmed they are supporting British nationals involved, and the US embassy said American citizens were among the injured. The two trains belonged to PeruRail and Inca Rail and collided on the track between Ollantaytambo Station and Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. The normal train journey between these stations takes about 90 minutes. After the crash, another train brought medical teams. Passengers were taken to a nearby village for food, medical care, and then moved to a hotel. PeruRail said it "deeply regret what has happened" and that staff provided first aid immediately. The cause of the accident is still unknown. It happened amid local tensions over the bidding process for transport services to Machu Picchu, a popular but hard-to-reach tourist spot. Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Officials have capped daily visitors since 2011 to protect the site, but concerns about overcrowding continue.
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Tags:
Machu Picchu
Train Collision
Perurail
Passenger Injuries
Tourism
Accident
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