18 Killed in Bus Crash in Peru

At least 18 people were killed and around 48 others injured on Friday after a bus plunged into a ravine in the Andes Mountains of Peru, according to local authorities.

Cliford Curibaco, Health Director for the Junín region, confirmed in a press conference that the bus veered off a winding mountain road and fell a steep slope in the province of Palca. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Local media reported that the bus was carrying more than 60 passengers when it overturned near a river, having already covered about two-thirds of its journey from the capital, Lima, to the city of La Merced. The road where the incident occurred is known for being narrow and treacherous, with sharp curves and poor visibility.

Emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the crash site to assist with rescue and recovery operations.

Road accidents are a frequent and deadly occurrence in the South American nation, largely due to excessive speed, poorly maintained roads, and a lack of traffic enforcement. According to police figures, Peru recorded 3,173 road-related fatalities last year alone.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, while victims are being treated at nearby hospitals.