Bus Crash in Southern Peru Leaves 21 Dead, 20 Injured
At least 21 people have died and 20 others have been injured after a bus fell into a ravine in southern Peru, according to police reports.
Bus Carrying Over 40 Passengers Crashes into Ravine
The bus, which was carrying more than 40 occupants, was traveling from Lima to the Andean region of Ayacucho when it rolled into a precipice of approximately 200 meters.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Difficult Terrain
The area where the accident occurred is surrounded by chasms and visibility is poor due to fog, making rescue efforts challenging. Several police and fire brigades are responding to the emergency.
High Accident Rate in Peru
This is not an isolated incident, as the same road has seen a high number of accidents in the past. In May, 17 passengers of a bus died in a similar crash on the same road.
Causes of Accidents
Authorities have not identified the probable causes of the accident, but they have linked the high accident rate in Peru to reckless driving, speeding, and drunk driving.
Statistics
According to the World Bank, Peru’s mortality rate from traffic accidents was 14 people per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019, compared to the average of 17 victims per 100,000 in the Americas. Between 2021 and 2023, there was an annual average of 3,000 deaths on the roads, according to the National Road Safety Observatory of the Ministry of Transport.
Efforts to Improve Road Safety
Despite efforts by authorities to improve enforcement, the rate of accidents and fatalities remains high. In 2023, 87,172 accidents were officially reported, leaving 3,316 dead, according to the Ministry of Transport.
