A double-decker bus collided with a pickup truck on the Panamericana Sul highway, in the Ocoña district, Arequipa region, in southern Peru, this Wednesday (12), resulting in it leaving the road and falling into a ravine about 200 meters deep. The accident occurred around 4 am local time and left 37 people dead, 36 at the scene and one in the hospital, in addition to 24 injured. Regional health authorities confirmed the initial assessment, attributing the main cause to the head-on collision on a sharp curve.

The vehicle belonged to the company Llamosas and carried approximately 60 passengers, departing from the district of Chala, a mining area, heading to the city of Arequipa. Rescue teams, including firefighters and the National Police, acted immediately at the scene, isolating the road and beginning to remove the victims. The driver of the truck survived and was detained to give a statement.

Rescue operations faced difficulties due to the steep terrain and the proximity of the Ocoña River, at kilometer 780 of the highway. Local authorities reported that the injured were taken to Camaná Hospital, with some in serious condition.

Circumstances of the collision

The crash occurred on a bend in the Panamericana Sul, known for its mountainous terrain. The bus, when trying to avoid the truck, lost control and fell into the ravine.

Preliminary investigators point to excessive speed as a possible factor, although official expertise is still ongoing. The truck showed damage to the front cabin, but no signs of additional occupants.

Vehicle and passenger details

The double-decker model bus operated on a regular route between locations in southern Peru. Passengers included mine workers and families on the move.

• Llamosas company confirmed travel insurance for victims.
• Total capacity: 70 seats, with occupancy above 85% at the moment.
• Recent vehicle maintenance recorded, with no apparent irregularities.

Four seriously injured people must be transferred to the Honorio Delgado Hospital, in Arequipa, for specialized treatment.

On-site emergency actions

Firefighters descended the ravine with rappelling equipment to access the destroyed vehicle. The National Police coordinated the blockade of the highway, diverting traffic to alternative routes.

The Public Ministry sent a prosecutor to supervise the scene, ensuring the preservation of evidence. Camaná ambulances transported the survivors in less than 30 minutes after the call.

Rescue helicopters were called in, but morning weather conditions limited their initial use. Medical teams stabilized victims with fractures and internal trauma at the scene.

Local volunteers helped sign the area, preventing further incidents. The regional government of Arequipa issued a note on logistical support for families.

History of accidents in the region

The Panamericana Sul records multiple incidents annually due to dangerous curves. In 2024, Peru recorded 3,173 deaths in road collisions, according to official data.

• July 2025: Rollover on the Amazon route left 18 deaths.
• January 2025: Fall into river caused 6 deaths and 32 injuries.
• 2023: Similar landslide in Arequipa killed 25 people.

Authorities have been promoting vehicle inspection campaigns since last year. Studies point to driver fatigue as a recurring risk during nighttime journeys.

Preventive measures under discussion

The incident reinforces debates about road infrastructure in southern Peru. Protection barrier projects advance in 20% of the critical curves of the Panamericana.

Training for bus drivers includes collision simulations. Surprise inspections increased by 15% in 2025, focusing on public transport vehicles.

Authorities plan audits of companiesSee Llamosas in the next few days.

Plight of Survivors

The 24 injured are receiving care at Camaná Hospital, with continuous monitoring. Three cases involve emergency surgery for internal bleeding.

Families of passengers were contacted via company records. Psychological support begins for relatives in the center of Arequipa. Transfers to larger units occur over land, given the topography. Medical balance updates every hour, with no new complications reported.