A tragic incident has occurred involving a railroad worker who lost their life, as confirmed by Captain Jhonathan Castillo Gonzalez of the Cuzco police department.

Captain Gonzalez informed The Associated Press that train services on the line between Machu Picchu and the city of Cuzco have been suspended following the unfortunate accident.

The railway operator reported that the collision involved a train departing from Machu Picchu and another en route to the historic site. The crash took place early in the afternoon near Qoriwayrachina, an area also known for its archaeological significance.

As of now, the precise cause of the crash remains under investigation with no additional details available.

Footage broadcast by local media depicted train carriages with shattered windows and crumpled sides, stranded on tracks flanked by dense forest and towering rock formations.

Machu Picchu, a world-renowned tourist destination, attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, most of whom travel by train to the adjacent town of Aguas Calientes.

Known for its perfectly fitting stone bricks, the site was built in the 15th century by the Incas and served as a sanctuary for the nation’s emperors.

The number of people visiting Machu Picchu has increased by about 25 per cent over the past decade, but tourism in the area has also been affected by political turmoil and disputes over how the site is managed, with protesters sometimes blocking the railroad that leads to the ancient site.

Machu Picchu can also be reached on foot, with visitors trekking from the small town of Ollantaytambo. The trek takes about four days.