Four arrested for the train crash in Machu Picchu: what is the first hypothesis and the screams of fury of the stranded passengers

He train crash in Machu Picchuin Peru, which resulted in the death of one of the train drivers and also injured 107, would have been the product of a human failure. This was reported by police authorities, still awaiting the expertise and investigations. For the case there is four arrested.

In addition, the crash generated the fury of the passengers who were left stranded for more than eight hours in the accident area, with almost impossible access.

«Apparently one of the drivers, for some reason, or did not look or did not pay attention or thought that it was not going to have any consequences and ignored the signs,» reported the police chief of the Cusco region, Julio Becerra.

Furthermore, he indicated that four workers, including machinistswere detained as part of the judicial proceedings that were ordered. It was also done to them alcohol control and the results were awaited.

Those arrested are employees of the Peru Rail and Inca Rail companies and will remain in that situation at least until the investigations are completed.

The fatal victim was identified as Roberto Cardenaswho was in the front part of one of the locomotives that crashed near the sector known as Pampacahua.

Regarding the injured, it was confirmed that 107 people were treated, between Peruvians and foreigners, of the 154 who traveled on the trains. Due to the inaccessibility of the place, the injured were transported 12 kilometers to a point where 21 ambulances were able to assist them and take them to health centers.

The accident occurred Tuesday afternoon in a narrow curve surrounded by hills on the single-track route that connects Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu.

This Peruvian historical space was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. To get to the tourist site, visitors must take a train and then continue with a bus.

People trying to evacuate one of the trains after the crash in Machu Picchu. Photo Reuters.

In July 2018, another clash had occurred, also between Peru Rail and Inca Rail formations. A formation of that last company was delayed between the Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu districts, according to witnesses due to a protest that affected the service.

«We were stopped for about an hour until the road was clear and we continued. Five minutes later we felt a strong impact from the back,» said a passenger. That accident left 28 injured, five in serious condition.

The fury of the passengers at the delay in being rescued

Passengers injured after the train crash in Machu Picchu. Photo Reuters.

Because the accident occurred in a complex access area, the passengers had to wait several hours until they were rescued and treated by doctors.

«This company is a shame, they have us stranded, no food or information«We have nothing,» exclaimed one of the tourists after spending more than eight hours waiting to be taken out of there.

For her part, an outraged passenger pointed out: «We had to demand that they give us food and water. «That’s how we are, they gave us no clear information.»

In videos on social networks, the desperate crowd was seen at the Machu Picchu station, where they had been summoned by the train managers, after the restoration of the service was announced. There they waited their turn to leave the place.

As part of the investigation tasks, the Police Prevention Unit will continue taking statements from witnesses and people affected by the accident, in addition to those responsible for the railway companies.