• At least 37 people have died following a bus crash in southern Peru.
• The bus fell into a ravine after colliding head-on with a pickup truck.
• The incident occurred on a treacherous section of the Pan-American Highway.
• Authorities indicate that poor driving conditions and excessive speed contributed to the accident.

At least 37 people were killed in a bus accident in southern Peru when the vehicle plunged into a ravine following a collision with a pickup truck. The crash occurred around 12:30 am on Wednesday along the Panamericana Sur highway, a notoriously rugged section connecting Peru to Chile. Local health manager Walther Oporto confirmed the fatalities and stated that 24 individuals were injured, with some in serious condition, indicating the death toll may rise, according to Indiatimes and BBC.

The bus, operated by the Llamosas company, was transporting over 60 passengers from Chala to Arequipa when it veered off the road and fell approximately 200 meters into the Ocoña River gorge. Eyewitness reports indicate that the impact was severe, with both vehicles suffering extensive damage. Investigators are currently examining the cause of the collision, with reports emerging that the pickup truck driver tested positive for alcohol, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

Authorities highlighted that such bus accidents are unfortunately common in Peru, often due to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and lax enforcement of traffic regulations. In previous years, Peru has witnessed several severe bus crashes, including one in 2018 that claimed 44 lives in a similar mountainous region. The current incident adds to a troubling statistic, with over 3,000 traffic fatalities reported in the country last year, according to CBS News and Indiatimes.

The crash has drawn condolences from government officials and community leaders, mourning the loss of lives and praying for the recovery of those injured. Rescue operations were complicated by the rugged terrain, further emphasizing the need for improved safety measures on perilous roadways in Peru, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.