Horrific Bus Crash Plunges 37 to Death in Peru

A bus carrying dozens of passengers careened off a remote highway and plunged 650 feet into a deep ravine, leaving a trail of destruction. The tragedy struck on November 12, 2025, near Arequipa, one of Peru’s most perilous regions.

The bus, operated by the Llamosas company, traveled the notorious Pan-American Highway South, a twisting road clinging to steep mountainsides.

Collision Sparks Catastrophe

The journey from Chala to Arequipa, normally a 17-hour drive, turned into a nightmare. Officials report that the bus collided with a pickup truck before careening off the road and falling into a ravine near the Ocoña River.

Wreckage photos show shattered windows, a roof crushed like paper, and debris scattered across the mountainside.

Grim Toll: 37 Dead, Dozens Injured

The crash claimed 37 of the 60 passengers. Survivors, including 25 injured people, three of whom were children, were rushed to local hospitals, including Camaná Hospital and the Honorio Delgado and EsSalud clinics.

Miraculously, both drivers survived. Local prosecutors and deputy officials rushed to the scene to oversee recovery efforts. Autopsies and forensic examinations are underway, and the bus driver has been taken into custody.

First Responders and Authorities Act Quickly

Emergency teams worked through the night, coordinating with Arequipa’s Regional Health Chief, Walther Oporto. Thirty-six victims were pronounced dead at the site, while one more died at a hospital.

Authorities continue investigating the circumstances behind the devastating collision, aiming to prevent further tragedies.

Peru’s Roads: Dangerous by Design

Peru’s road safety record is alarming. Poor infrastructure, minimal signage, and reckless driving make mountain highways extremely hazardous.

Ocoña District Mayor Waldor Llerena reminded locals that the 780-kilometer stretch of the Pan-American Highway has long been considered deadly.

In 2022 alone, traffic accidents claimed over 3,300 lives in Peru.

Pan-American Highway: From Lifeline to Tragedy

Stretching from Alaska to Argentina, the Pan-American Highway is the world’s longest motorable road. Yet for families mourning these 37 victims, it now symbolizes only loss and heartbreak.

Our deepest condolences go out to all affected by this tragic event.