[July 23, 2025 | 6:30 AM] – Ancash Region, Northern Peru

A devastating tragedy struck in the early hours of Wednesday morning as a passenger bus plunged off a remote mountain road and fell into a deep chasm in Peru’s Ancash Region, killing at least 23 people and injuring many others.

The crash, which occurred around 4:15 AM local time, has shaken the nation and prompted urgent calls for improvements in transportation safety in Peru’s mountainous provinces.

The Deadly Fall Near Corongo

The bus, operated by Expreso Santa Ana, was traveling from Lima to Pallasca, navigating a steep section of road near Corongo Province—a known danger zone due to landslides and lack of proper guardrails.

According to authorities, the driver lost control after a tight curve on a rugged, unpaved stretch. The vehicle then plunged over 200 feet into a rocky ravine below, breaking apart upon impact.

Emergency crews arrived within the hour, but access was hindered by unstable terrain and limited visibility in the early dawn light.

Lives Lost and Lives Changed

Local police and rescue officials have confirmed 23 deaths, including four children and two elderly passengers. Over 15 others were critically injured and airlifted to Huaraz Regional Hospital.

Several survivors remain in shock, with many reporting they felt the bus “shaking and screeching” moments before it veered off the edge.

“It felt like we were flying before everything went black,” said Luis Alberto Torres, a 32-year-old miner returning to his village. “I woke up outside the bus, bruised and bleeding, with people screaming all around me.”

Possible Brake Failure and Road Conditions Under Scrutiny

Authorities suspect brake failure may have played a role, but the lack of barriers, poor road maintenance, and the driver’s alleged fatigue are also being investigated. The bus reportedly passed a routine inspection in June, but complaints from passengers about mechanical noises in recent days are now under review.

Transportation Minister Beatriz Salcedo has ordered a full probe into the incident, promising accountability and tighter safety measures for high-risk routes in the Andes.

National Grief and Local Anguish

President Valeria Guzmán issued a national statement this morning:

“Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the heroic first responders working through dangerous conditions. We must ensure no more lives are lost to preventable tragedies.”

A day of mourning has been declared in Ancash, with flags flown at half-mast. In towns across the region, vigils have begun. In Lima, family members are gathering at the Santa Ana bus terminal, demanding answers.

Outpouring of Support and Growing Public Pressure

Across social media, Peruvians are sharing stories of those lost, calling for urgent investment in rural infrastructure and passenger safety. The hashtags #TragediaEnAncash and #MejorTransporteYA are trending nationwide.

Local nonprofits and medical volunteers have rushed to support survivors, offering trauma counseling and blood donation drives.

What Comes Next

A press conference is scheduled for 3:00 PM local time in Huaraz, where investigators are expected to share early findings. Meanwhile, search crews continue to scour the site for missing belongings and any signs of additional passengers.

As Peru grieves, the accident has reignited a national conversation about road safety, responsibility, and how many more lives must be lost before meaningful change arrives.

This story is still developing. Stay tuned for continued coverage and official updates from the Ministry of Transport and local authorities.