Bus crash in Peru kills at least 15

A bus traveling from Lima to the city of La Merced crashed on Friday, killing at least 15 and injuring about 30 others, authorities said.

Health director Clifor Curipaco from the Junin region in Peru, said the bus went off the road and fell into a ravine in the district of Palca.

Authorities were in the process of identifying 15 bodies, said Aldo Tineo, a health official from the central city of Tarma.

A double-decker bus belonging to Expreso Molina Líder Internacional had been carrying more than 60 people when it crashed and landed on its roof next to a river.

Local television broadcasted videos of the crash site, showing the bus split in two.

How common are bus crashes in Peru?

Bus crashes are not uncommon in Peru. This is not the first fatal bus crash in Peru this year. In January, a bus fell into a river,  killing 6 and injuring 32.

In 2024, there were approximately 3,173 traffic accident deaths in the country, according to police.

A report by the Attorney General’s Office has found that recklessness and excessive speed are the main causes of accidents in Peru. Poor road conditions are also a cause.

Authorities are investigating the cause of Thursday’s accident.