Peru Bus Crashes in Andes Mountains: 18 Dead, 48 Injured as Wreckage Revealed | WPN World People News

Peru has suffered yet another tragic traffic accident. In the early morning of July 26 (local time), a long-distance passenger bus plunged into a ravine while traveling through the Andes Mountains, leaving at least 18 people dead and 48 injured. The crash site was devastating, with the bus heavily mangled and shattered. Many passengers were thrown from the vehicle, and graphic images of the wreckage have shocked the public.

According to Peruvian police and local media, the accident occurred on a winding mountain road in the Huánuco region. The bus, operated by Empresa de Transportes Maldonado, was en route from the capital, Lima, to Pucallpa, a city in the Amazon region. Preliminary reports suggest that rainy weather, slippery roads, speeding, and poor road conditions may have contributed to the driver losing control. The bus then plummeted over 200 meters down into a gorge.

Rescue teams and local residents rushed to the scene to assist, transporting survivors to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police stated that most of the deceased were adults, including two children. Several of the injured are in critical condition, and the death toll may rise further. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident and have not ruled out the possibility of driver fatigue or mechanical failure.

Mountain roads in Peru are notoriously dangerous, with treacherous terrain and lax vehicle regulations. According to the country's traffic safety agency, around 3,000 people die each year in road accidents, with the Andes region being a frequent hotspot for such tragedies.

The accident site has since been sealed off, and authorities have urged the public to stay away to allow for rescue and investigation efforts. Peru’s Ministry of Transport has also pledged to strengthen oversight of long-distance bus companies in hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.