What began as an overnight journey through the Andes ended in catastrophe for passengers aboard a double-decker bus traveling through Peru’s central highlands on Friday.

At least 15 people were killed and around 30 more were hurt when a bus packed with over 60 passengers swerved off a rural mountain road and crashed into a ravine in the country’s Junín region, as DW.com reports.

The tragic incident took place in the Palca district, a remote area northeast of Lima, as the vehicle was traveling toward the city of La Merced.

The double-decker bus, operated by Expreso Molina Líder Internacional, failed to stay on the road and plummeted into a steep ravine near a riverbank. According to local footage broadcast on television, the crash left the bus completely overturned and split down the middle, underscoring the impact of the fall.

Remote highway turns deadly

The journey began in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, but quickly turned tragic in the early morning hours as the vehicle descended narrow and winding roads. With more than 60 individuals aboard, including families and travelers heading to La Merced, the route through Junín is known to be rugged and treacherous. Exact details of what caused the crash remain under official investigation, but early information suggests a loss of vehicle control on one of the high-elevation curves.

Health officials responding to the site confirmed the scope of the destruction. Clifor Curipaco, health director for the Junín region, said the bus “went off the road and fell into a ravine in the district of Palca,” highlighting the precarious terrain the vehicle was navigating. The bus ultimately landed on its roof, and emergency responders quickly arrived at the site to attempt rescues and transport the injured.

Among the more than 30 injured passengers, many were in serious condition and transported to nearby hospitals for immediate care. Aldo Tineo, a health official based in the central city of Tarma, said efforts were underway to formally identify the 15 dead. The names of the victims have not yet been released to the public, pending notification of families.

Bus safety a growing concern

This fatal crash brings renewed attention to problems with highway safety across Peru. Serious bus accidents have become all too familiar in the country, particularly on routes that traverse high-altitude or remote regions. In January, a similar case occurred when a bus plunged into a river, killing six people and injuring dozens more.

According to police data, traffic-related fatalities in Peru numbered over 3,100 in the year 2024 alone. Factors contributing to these numbers often include reckless driving behavior, inappropriate vehicle speeds, and the poor condition of rural and mountainous roads. Many of these areas lack sufficient guardrails or enforcement of transport regulations, placing passengers at heightened daily risk.

A report from the Attorney General's Office pointed to excessive speed and driver negligence as frequent causes of highway incidents, with hazardous road conditions compounding the issue. Friday's crash appears to fit this broader pattern, making it a stark reminder of just how dangerous travel through Peru’s remote regions can be.

Investigations underway

Authorities are actively investigating what led to Friday’s incident. No official statement on the specific cause has been released, but experts are expected to examine the mechanical condition of the bus, roadway signage, and whether excessive speed played a role. The company operating the vehicle, Expreso Molina Líder Internacional, has not commented publicly on the crash.

Many affected families are now in mourning as rescue workers and health professionals coordinate the daunting process of identifying and returning victims to their loved ones. With no immediate foul play suspected, authorities are focusing on structural road issues and responsible driver conduct in hopes of preventing future tragedies.

Friday’s loss makes clear the urgent need for more investment in highway infrastructure and better regulatory enforcement over long-distance passenger travel in Peru. For many remote communities, buses remain a primary -- sometimes the only -- mode of transportation to major cities.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Choose reliable transportation companies: When possible, travelers should research and select bus operators with strong safety records, current licenses, and trained drivers. Although this cannot eliminate all risk, it can reduce exposure to preventable hazards.

2. Be cautious on mountain routes: Peru’s mountainous regions present unique driving risks, particularly at night. If travelers must take these routes, traveling during daylight hours may improve visibility and reduce the chance of nighttime accidents.

3. Advocate for infrastructure improvement: Community awareness and pressure on local and national governments can play a role in improving road safety. Encouraging investment in secure barriers, better lighting, and reliable public transportation oversight can help make roads safer for everyone. Still, it’s important to remember that no matter how careful someone is, accidents can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed for unfortunate circumstances outside their control.

Why this story matters

Incidents like this highlight a broader problem of road safety in Peru and the dangers faced by residents and visitors alike traveling through underdeveloped regions.

Public accountability and greater awareness can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that lives lost are not in vain. This story is a stark reminder of how transportation systems can have devastating consequences when neglected.