A tragic bus accident in the Andes Mountains has resulted in at least 18 fatalities and 48 injuries. The incident occurred when a double-decker bus, operated by Expreso Molina Líder Internacional, overturned while traveling from Lima to the Amazon region of Peru. The bus veered off the highway and fell down a slope in the district of Palca, located in the Junín region.
According to Clifor Curipaco, the health director for the region, emergency services responded promptly but faced challenges due to the difficult terrain. Local television broadcasts captured the bus split in two, highlighting the severity of the incident as firefighters and police worked to rescue the injured. Authorities are currently investigating the precise cause of the crash.
This incident is not isolated, as it marks another significant tragedy on the roads of Peru. Earlier this month, on January 3, 2025, another bus accident resulted in six deaths and 32 injuries when a vehicle fell into a river.
Investigations by the Attorney-General’s Office have identified reckless driving and excessive speed as primary contributors to traffic accidents in Peru. Road transportation in the country often suffers from inadequate regulatory oversight, leading to dangerous conditions for travelers. In 2024 alone, approximately 3,173 fatalities were reported from traffic incidents, according to data from the official Death Information System.
The frequency of such accidents raises concerns about the state of road safety in Peru. Emergency assistance often appears to be slow and disorganized, a situation that exacerbates the outcomes of these tragic events. As investigations continue, the focus remains on improving safety measures to prevent future incidents and enhance the well-being of travelers on Peru’s roads.
