A train driver died and 40 others were injured on Tuesday, after two trains collided head-on on the railway that leads to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru’s main tourist site, which attracts more than 1 million visitors every year.
The police are investigating the collision between trains operated by Inca Rail S.A. and PeruRail S.A., which mainly transport tourists to the iconic site. A health sector official said about 20 people were in relatively serious condition.
A police officer added that there were foreign tourists among the injured.
Images posted on social media shortly after the accident showed the trains badly damaged, one facing head-on on the tracks, shattered glass scattered and injured people being treated on the sides of the tracks.
Train of Rafael López Aliaga in Machu Picchu, Peru Rail, causes an accident after colliding with Inca Rail train, leaving dozens of injured. But remember “Private is always better” Indignant! pic.twitter.com/4oZZ7IESn0
— Chacotero (@ChacoteroPeru) December 30, 2025
