Two people died and at least 41 were injured after an interprovincial bus from the Cruz del Norte company and a private vehicle plunged into the Chancay River following the collapse of a bridge at kilometer 75 of the Panamericana Norte Highway, near Chancay district, Huaral province, Lima region.
"First response teams have already been activated (…) We are currently monitoring the situation. This is unfortunate news, and we are working on ways to assist in rescuing the injured and recovering the (bodies of the) deceased," he told RPP Noticias.
A Bridge Collapse with Fatal Consequences
The accident occurred around midnight on Friday when the Chancay Bridge collapsed as the Cruz del Norte bus was crossing it.
Initial reports suggest that the bridge's foundations gave way due to the strong current of the Chancay River, which had risen significantly due to heavy rains in the Andean zone of Huaral.
A private vehicle, carrying at least two passengers, also fell into the river and dragged 700 meters downstream.
Police search and rescue teams were working to determine if there were any people to rescue in the vehicle.
The interprovincial bus, traveling from Chimbote to Lima, was carrying approximately 40 passengers.
Authorities confirmed the deaths of at least two people and 41 injuries.
Firefighters worked for over three hours to rescue the injured and transport them to the respective hospitals. Thirty-five injured passengers were evacuated to Chancay Hospital, while three were transferred to Huaral Hospital.
Police rescue teams were entering the submerged bus to recover the bodies of the victims, one of whom is the bus driver, who remained trapped inside. Authorities will also determine if there are additional casualties.
Bridge Closure and Investigation
The bridge structure was left in three pieces, with only one lane partially intact, though unstable.
Authorities have closed the bridge for safety reasons, and traffic is being rerouted through Huaral and Aucallama to reconnect with the Panamericana Norte.
Transportation and Communications Minister Raul Perez Reyes arrived at the scene early in the morning to oversee the rescue efforts. He confirmed that the accident resulted in 38 injuries and two fatalities.
The Cabinet member added that the highway concessionaire would deploy heavy machinery on Friday morning to remove debris and tow the bus.
He stated that an investigation will be conducted to verify whether the highway concessionaire had carried out the required evaluations and maintenance of the bridge structure.
Published: 2/14/2025