The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) indicated today that following the accident that occurred this afternoon on the railway route to Machu Picchu, the Tourist Protection Network was activated.
Mincetur also deeply regrets the accident, which has left several injured and one dead.
It explained that the Tourist Protection Network was activated, implementing assistance protocols and coordinating actions with the Regional Government of Cusco, the municipalities of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, the National Police of Peru, the Ministries of Environment and Culture, and the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp).
The goal is to safeguard the safety of tourists and ensure timely assistance.
Due to a collision between two trains in the Pampacahua sector, at kilometer 98 of the railway line between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, the engineer of the Inca Rail company died, and at least 30 people were injured, including both domestic and international tourists, reported the Cusco Regional Police.
Police confirmed that the deceased has been identified as Roberto Cárdenas Loay. The injured are being evacuated to clinics and hospitals near the site.
Strengthening security
The Regional Government of Cusco pledged to immediately strengthen security measures on all tourist routes leading to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, in order to prevent future accidents like the one that occurred this afternoon on the railway line to the world wonder, which left one person dead and dozens injured.
In a statement, the Cusco Regional Government and the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary Management Unit (UGM) reported that the corresponding emergency protocols were immediately activated following the incident.
"The injured are being evacuated and transferred to various health facilities in the city of Cusco to ensure timely and comprehensive medical care," the statement said, adding that more than 20 ambulances were deployed to the Piscacucho sector (Ollantaytambo) to reinforce evacuation efforts and ensure the safe and timely transfer of the injured.
This afternoon, a head-on collision occurred between two trains (Inca Rail and PeruRail) in the Qoriwayrachina sector (kilometer 82), approximately 30 minutes from the Ollantaytambo station, on the route to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
Actions
The Governor of Cusco, Werner Salcedo Álvarez, in his capacity as President of the UGM (Unit for the Management of the Civil Aviation Accident), along with the entity's Technical Secretary, traveled to the accident site to oversee rescue.
He also facilitate transport for the injured, and coordinated directly with authorities and railway operators, and provided support and assistance to those affected and their families.
After expressing its deepest condolences to the victims and their families, the Cusco Regional Government reaffirms its firm commitment to managing the necessary comprehensive support for those affected, and to demanding and collaborating with the relevant authorities for the prompt clarification of the causes of the accident.
Train service temporarily suspended
Rail services will remain temporarily suspended following a collision between two trains operated by Inca Rail and PeruRail S.A. this afternoon at kilometer marker 94+200 in the Pampacahua sector of the Cusco region, reported Ferrocarril Trasandino S.A., the concessionaire of the railway in southeastern Peru.
The accident, which occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. and resulted in injuries and property damage, prompted the activation of the emergency protocol to provide assistance to the injured, the concessionaire stated in a press release.
The temporary suspension of services on the rail route to Machu Picchu will remain in effect "until the evacuation of passengers is complete and the [damaged] trains are removed from the tracks."
"We regret what happened and will provide further information as it becomes available," the statement concluded.
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Published: 12/30/2025