The Provincial Criminal Prosecutor's Office of Machu Picchu launched an investigation to
Cusco Superior Prosecutors Board Chairman Manuel Mayorga confirmed that the Prosecutor's Office participated Thursday in the body recovery after Peruvian National Police rescue teams found the deceased on a slope about 400 meters deep covered with dense vegetation.
"The circumstances under which this person fell must be clarified. If there was perhaps an issue related to maintenance (of a railing), or whatever the case may be, it will have to be determined through the corresponding investigations," he stated.
The magistrate explained that access to the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu is governed by regulations.
He added that travel agencies transporting visitors must be properly accredited. If any irregularity occurred, the investigations will determine responsibilities.
Regarding the deterioration of infrastructure along the route, such as a bridge or wooden railings, which are repaired every February by the Directorate of Culture (DDC) in Cusco, Mayorga said everything will depend on the outcome of the investigations.
"We currently have preliminary reports, and these will have to be corroborated in order to proceed with the corresponding actions," he stated.
In turn, Cusco Police Region Chief, General Virgilio Velasquez, reported that the body was found with visible injuries, including fractures, resulting from the fall.
"As a preliminary hypothesis, the impact from the fall caused the injuries that led to the foreign tourist's death," he said.
According to preliminary investigations, the police chief said Mathew Cameron Patron had served as a police officer in his country.
He arrived 12 days ago with his wife to visit Cusco's tourist attractions before departing from Ollantaytambo to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The visitor was part of a group of tourists led by a tour guide.
"There is a section with a bridge whose railings are made of wood, where the tourist apparently tripped and, due to the gravity and weight of his body, fell into the abyss," he indicated.
Regarding the responsibility of Cusco's DDC for maintaining the railings, the police chief said authorities must determine why the railing apparently became detached so easily and how long the structure had been in place.
"It will be important to determine this so that the corresponding authorities, both from the Culture sector and other competent entities, can carry out oversight to guarantee the safety of people traveling along this route," he pointed out.
The body's transfer during the night was carried out under the supervision of an assistant prosecutor to Cusco's central morgue, where the legally required autopsy is being conducted.
However, arrangements for the repatriation of the remains to his country of origin would be coordinated with the Australian consulate in Peru.