37 Dead After Passenger Bus Falls 650 Feet into a Ravine Following Crash with Pickup Truck on ‘Rugged’ Curve

At least 37 people have died and many more were injured after a passenger bus fell into a ravine in Peru.

The crash occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 12, when the bus collided with another vehicle along the Pan-American Highway in the Arequipa region, according to the Associated Press and the BBC.

Officials said the bus struck a truck while navigating a curved section of road before veering off the route and plunging more than 650 feet to the banks of the Ocoña River. Walther Oporto, the health manager for Arequipa, shared the information with local radio station RPP, per the AP.

The BBC reported that the crash happened during the early morning hours on a rugged stretch of the highway. Local outlets noted the bus was traveling from Chala toward the city of Arequipa with approximately 60 passengers on board.

Both drivers reportedly survived the initial crash. According to Oporto, 36 passengers died at the scene, while another later died in the hospital, per the BBC.

Health officials told RPP that 25 people remain hospitalized with injuries, including three minors. The AP reported that 13 individuals were injured in the incident.

The Camaná Provincial Corporate Criminal Prosecutor’s Office announced an investigation has been launched. In a statement, the office said that prosecutors Luis Supo Ramos and Jorge Medina Chávez, along with deputy prosecutor Clisman Ala Gordillo, were dispatched to oversee recovery efforts and coordinate the transport of the deceased. The pickup truck driver has been detained as authorities determine potential responsibility.

Officials added that survivors were transported to medical facilities in Camaná and to health centers in Arequipa for treatment.

Footage released by prosecutors showed the bus wrecked along the ravine as emergency responders worked at the scene. A white truck involved in the crash appeared heavily damaged at the front.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

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