Tragedy struck in Peru on Wednesday, Nov. 12, when a passenger bus carrying 60 people plunged more than 650 feet into a ravine after colliding with a pickup truck along a dangerous curve on the Pan-American Highway. Authorities confirmed that at least 37 people lost their lives in the devastating crash, which occurred on a “rugged” and notoriously treacherous stretch of road. Thirty-six victims reportedly died at the scene, with several others rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition.

Rescue teams battled steep terrain and poor visibility to recover victims and survivors from the twisted wreckage at the bottom of the ravine. Local officials described the crash site as one of the most difficult areas for recovery operations, as firefighters and police worked through the night to reach the injured. Witnesses said the bus appeared to lose control after clipping the oncoming pickup truck before veering off the narrow mountain road.

Peru’s Pan-American Highway has long been known for its deadly curves and aging transport fleet, sparking renewed calls for stricter road safety measures and driver oversight. As families mourn the staggering loss, one painful question lingers — how many more lives must be lost before Peru’s highways become truly safe? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.