At least 14 people died and five others were injured on Thursday when a van plunged off a roadway in northern Peru, authorities reported. The vehicle, carrying 19 passengers, fell into a ravine outside San Juan, located over 800 kilometers north of Lima in the Cajamarca region.
Ricardo Chilon, head of institutional communications for the San Juan municipality, confirmed the fatalities and injuries. Police and fire crews are at the scene, working to recover the victims, including the driver and a child.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Fire Department official Edson Roman stated that six bodies have yet to be recovered due to the difficult terrain. The rescue operation is complicated as the vehicle is wedged in a ravine.
Cause of Accident Under Investigation
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. Road accidents are common in Peru due to poor road conditions, lack of police enforcement, and human error, primarily involving speeding.
Background on Road Safety in Peru
According to official figures, more than 3,000 people were killed on Peru's roads last year. The country faces significant challenges in road safety, with inadequate infrastructure and enforcement contributing to high accident rates.
