Nine people have died and at least 15 were injured after a minibus taking holidaymakers on an excursion to a mountain in the Peruvian Andes plunged down a hill.
Local firefighters said around 25 tourists and their guides were on the vehicle which was about 10 miles from the famous 17,969ft Rajuntay mountain when it crashed.
Peru’s Health Ministry confirmed in a statement overnight: ‘The incident has left 15 people injured who have been transferred to four different hospitals.
‘Nine people have died, seven at the scene of the accident and two in hospital.
‘Through its emergency teams, the Ministry of health will continue to offer full assistance to the casualties.’
Firefighters involved in the rescue operation said: ‘A tourist bus that veered off the road and overturned on the highway toward Marcapomacocha, approximately 15 kilometres from the Rajuntay snow-capped mountain.
The vehicle was carrying around 25 tourists along with tour guides, with multiple injuries reported at the scene.
‘Upon our arrival, an emergency triage was immediately carried out, allowing the victims to be classified according to the severity of their injuries and prioritising their evacuation to health centres with greater capacity for care.
‘Subsequently, the affected individuals were evaluated and stabilised on site.
‘Patients were transported to health centres in the area, including a more serious case referred to the Hospital of Matucana and others to the Casapalca clinic, with the support of the National Police of Peru. ‘
It was not immediately clear this morning if any foreign tourists including British or Irish nationals were among the dead or injured.
The accident occurred around 5pm local time yesterday.
Pictures from the scene showed the crash vehicle on its roof with passenger belongings flung on the ground around it.
An investigation into the cause of the accident was ongoing today, with local reports saying the foggy conditions in the area at the time could have been a factor.
Rajuntay is described online as a breathtaking destination for adventure seekers.
Hikers trying to reach the peak are recommended to have previous trekking experience.
Many tours from Lima depart on Saturday nights and return Sunday.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
