At least 37 people have died in a tragic bus accident in Peru when a bus plunged approximately 200 meters (650 feet) into a ravine after colliding with a pickup truck in the mountainous Arequipa region. The crash is being described as one of the worst road accidents in Peru in recent years.

Details of the Crash

The bus, which was transporting at least 60 passengers, was traveling from a mining district toward the city of Arequipa at around 12:30 a.m. local time (05:30 GMT) on Wednesday. According to TV Peru, the bus collided head-on with a pickup truck and then veered off the highway into the ravine.

• 36 people were killed on impact
• 1 person later died at the hospital
• 20 passengers sustained injuries

Authorities confirmed that the pickup truck driver tested positive for alcohol, raising concerns over impaired driving as a contributing factor.

Scene of the Accident

Photos of the crash show a crumpled pickup truck and the bus lying on its side, surrounded by debris scattered across the rocky terrain. Rescue teams rushed to the site, and injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals.

Peru’s Road Safety Concerns

Peru has a high rate of road fatalities, often attributed to reckless driving, alcohol consumption, and challenging mountainous roads.

Regional health manager Walther Oporto told TV Peru:

“This isn’t the first tragedy in the area. Years ago, another bus crashed in the same spot, killing 50 people.”

Statistics show that last year, over 3,000 people died in traffic accidents in Peru, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety.

Recent Similar Incidents

This fatal crash follows a series of deadly bus accidents in Peru in 2025:

• July–August: Two buses overturned, killing at least 28 people
• January: A bus crashed into a river, killing at least 6 people

These incidents underscore the persistent dangers on Peru’s mountain roads, particularly for buses carrying large numbers of passengers.

Authorities’ Response

Local authorities have launched investigations into the accident and are urging drivers to exercise caution on dangerous mountain roads. The incident also reignites discussions about stricter traffic regulations and enforcement, especially regarding alcohol consumption and vehicle safety standards.