Passenger Describes Chaos After Head-On Machu Picchu Train Collision
A recent head-on train collision near Machu Picchu has left travelers shaken and in shock.
– On Tuesday around 1:20 PM local time (6:20 PM GMT), a tragic accident occurred when two trains collided on the track connecting Ollantaytambo Station and Aguas Calientes, resulting in the death of one train driver and injuring at least 40 others.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Machu Picchu Train Collision
– Niels Honkoop, a 33-year-old passenger, described the scene of chaos that unfolded shortly after the crash. Having switched seats from the middle to the back of the train just moments before the impact, Honkoop witnessed terrifying scenes.
– I saw staff running around, people crying, and chaos erupting, he recounted in an interview with the BBC. When we got off the train, I saw people bleeding with very severe injuries.
The Immediate Aftermath
– The wreckage painted a grim picture: Honkoop noted that the table in front of him had fractured, and shattered glass was strewn across the carriage. Many passengers were lying injured in the aisles, with one woman trapped between a bench and a table.
– In a stroke of serendipity, Honkoop had recently undergone wisdom tooth surgery and had brought along a supply of painkillers, which he distributed to those in need.
– Following the incident, a nearby train arrived to assist with medical aid. Honkoop and his tour group were safely transported to a nearby village, where they were provided with food, medical care, and accommodations.
Responses from Authorities
– The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting a number of British nationals involved in this tragic event, while the US embassy in Peru reported that American citizens were among the injured.
– PeruRail, one of the companies operating the trains, expressed its regret over the incident in a statement and noted that its staff had immediately provided first aid to affected individuals.
Ongoing Concerns and the Impact on Tourism
– The cause of the collision remains unclear and comes amid escalating tensions over transportation services to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Local communities have voiced their concerns regarding an opaque bidding process that they believe has led to insufficient options for tourists.
– The train journeys to Machu Picchu are typically lucrative due to high ticket prices, raising questions about safety and accountability in the operation of these services.
Protecting Machu Picchu
– Built in the 15th Century within the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is celebrated as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Visitors usually access the site via trains or hikes along the Inca trail, organized through registered tour operators.
– In 2011, officials established a daily cap on visitors to help preserve the historic site; however, over-tourism continues to be a pressing concern.
The recent Machu Picchu train collision has shaken the tourism community and raised important questions about safety standards and operational transparency. As investigations continue, the hope remains that necessary changes will be implemented to protect passengers and enhance the experience at this iconic destination.