A tragic accident on the Arequipa-Puno road resulted in nine fatalities on March 23. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. at kilometer 178, in the Imata sector, Caylloma province, Arequipa. The collision involved a minivan transporting passengers from Apurímac and a trailer. The minivan, with license plate VCQ-964, belonged to the Andino company and was heading to Arequipa. The trailer, with Brazilian registration RYG2H27, collided head-on with the smaller vehicle, causing the instant death of the minivan’s occupants, including the driver. The vehicle was severely damaged, while the trailer sustained damage mainly to the driver’s cabin.
The bodies of the victims had not been removed by 11 a.m. as authorities awaited the arrival of personnel from the Public Ministry. Meanwhile, at least four injured individuals were transported to a clinic in Arequipa. The situation was complicated by the area’s difficult access and lack of phone coverage. This accident adds to other tragic incidents on the same route, including one that left nine dead and 15 injured after a van veered off the road while traveling to the Rajuntay snow-capped mountain.
