Peru: Four dead in a bus accident returning from Machu Picchu – Two Greeks among the injured

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The tourist bus returning from Machu Picchu, the citadel of the Inca Empire, fell “into a ravine of about 100 meters”, Tourism Minister Roberto Sanchez said on Monday, adding that “fog prevailed” in the area where the accident occurred.

Four tourists died and 16 others were injured, including two Greeks, in a bus accident in Peru.

The tourist bus returning from Machu Picchu, the citadel of the Inca Empire, fell “into a ravine of about 100 meters”, Tourism Minister Roberto Sanchez said on Monday, adding that “fog prevailed” in the area where the accident occurred.

Three of the dead tourists are Colombian and the fourth is Peruvian, the ministry said in a statement.

In addition to the two Greeks, among the injured are four French, two Canadians, two Israelis, two Argentines, one Dutch, one Spanish and two Peruvians (one of whom is the driver).

The accident occurred on the night of Sunday to Monday, about 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, the capital of the Incas which is the main starting point for tour operators who organize visits to Machu Picchu.

Some of the wounded were to be flown to Lima by military aircraft.

“We express our condolences to the families and governments of the countries of the foreign tourists who unfortunately passed away,” Peru’s foreign ministry said on Twitter.

Traffic accidents are common in Peru, mainly due to the poor condition of the road network, excessive speed or lack of signage.

Three weeks ago, 16 people died when the bus they were traveling in fell into a ravine in central Junin province.

On average, about 5,000 tourists visit Machu Picchu every day. It was built in the 15th century by Emperor Pachacutec and is considered the most representative example of the Inca civilization. UNESCO has declared Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site.

RES-EMP

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