Seven Canadian citizens were injured in a train collision in Peru, as confirmed by Global Affairs Canada. The incident occurred on the railway route to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The collision involved trains operated by Inca Rail S.A. and PeruRail S.A., leading to the death of a train driver and injuries to 40 individuals, including about 20 in serious condition, according to a health official cited by Reuters.
Among the injured were foreign tourists, including the Canadians caught up in the accident. Global Affairs Canada expressed condolences and confirmed that Canadian officials were offering consular support and liaising with local authorities while maintaining privacy protocols.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed deep sorrow over the crash and highlighted that Global Affairs officials were actively assisting those affected and coordinating with local authorities. Anand reiterated Canada’s solidarity with Peru and extended sympathies to all impacted by the incident.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the collision. Social media images following the crash depicted the damaged trains facing each other on the tracks, with broken glass scattered and injured individuals receiving medical attention. Machu Picchu, a renowned tourist destination in the Peruvian Andes, attracts over a million visitors annually from across the globe.