Machu Picchu Head-On Train Collision

[Ashley Hill]

The BBC are reporting that two trains have collided head-on in Peru killing a driver and injuring at least 40 passengers.
Passenger describes 'chaos' after head-on Machu Picchu train collision https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gweww8rjro
A passenger has described "chaos" after two trains collided head-on near Peru's most popular tourist attraction, Machu Picchu.
Niels Honkoop, 33, told the BBC he had switched seats part-way through the journey from the middle of the train to the back, before it crashed, injuring many of those sitting near the front.
"I saw staff running around and people crying and people on the floor and chaos erupted," he said. "We got off the train and I saw people bleeding with very severe injuries."
A train driver was killed and at least 40 others were injured in the crash, which took place at around 13:20 local time (18:20 GMT) on Tuesday.
Mr Honkoop said the table in front of him broke in two. Shattered glass littered the floor of the carriage, and many were lying wounded in the aisle. One woman he saw was trapped "between a bench and a table".
The collision occurred on the track linking Ollantaytambo Station and Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. The journey between the two stations usually takes around 90 minutes.
The two trains involved were operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail respectively.

 

[LMS 4F]

I rode on this line in 2012. Recovery of the injured and all the other passengers will be very difficult as the line has a very large fast flowing river on one side and cloud jungle on the other.
It is a truly magnificent route and doesn’t actually go to Manchu Picchu but to the village at the bottom of the hill where the site is.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

I don't know if this is still the case, or relevant to the incident, but back in 2010:

The railroad is non-signaled with computer assisted radio dispatching using track warrants.

Taken from this paper, obtained online but I don't have the web address:
Restoration of the Machu Picchu Railway Line after the January 2010 Floods
Cesar del Carpio Polar, Director of Engineering, Ferrocarril Transandino, SA Arequipa, Peru
James Michel, P.E. Senior Vice President, Marsh Global Rail Practice, Washington, DC

The vehicles involved appear to be Peru Rail 220, a Macamosa / MAN single car unit (which operate in multiple) and Inca Rail 954, a MAN / Ferrostaal railcar part of a three car formation.

 

[MisterT]

I was there earlier this year, and I don't think I've seen any signal, so I guess it's still the same as in 2010.
A really beautiful line, can really recommend (and also visit the Machu Picchu ofc).

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Yes I saw that on the news. Upsetting. I concur with those who have said it really is a beautiful line with amazing scenery. I went there 20/09/2008. Flew into Cuzco from Lima first.

 

[railfan99]

I visited on my first international trip in late 1984, with my friend and I travelling all the way to Quillabamba, but that section is long closed.

Agree: a stunningly beautiful line. Upsetting what's occurred. RIP.

 

[Ashley Hill]

Here’s a picture from 7 News showing the crushed front ends after separation.
Thoughts for the drivers family.