Peru: Tragic accident in Imata leaves 13 dead after violent impact between minivan and cargo truck

Peru.-The road that connects Arequipa with Puno again recorded a fatal event on the morning of Monday, March 23. A collision between a passenger transport minivan and a truck left a balance of victims that increased as the hours passed. The first reports reported deaths and injuries, while the emergency teams moved to the area to address the situation.

The accident occurred in the Imata sector, within the district of San Antonio de Chuca, province of Caylloma. It is a section known for its complex climatic conditions, with the presence of low temperatures and even ice on the road. In this context, transit usually presents risks for drivers and passengers.

According to preliminary information, the minivan was covering the Challhuahuacho route, in the Apurímac region, bound for the city of Arequipa. The impact occurred around 07:30 hours, at kilometer 178 of the Arequipa–Puno road. From that moment on, the number of victims began to be updated as rescue and verification efforts progressed at the scene.

We recommend reading:Tragic multiple accident on the 30 de Mayo highway leaves several affected

Victim count rises in the first hours

Crash between passenger minivan (Cielo Andino company) and heavy cargo truck. Image Viva

Initial reports indicated the death of at least four people and several injured. However, with the progress of the investigations and the transfer of those affected, the figure increased. According to the most recent reports, “eleven people died at the scene and another two died during their transfer to a health center”, which raised the total to 13 fatalities.

The authorities also confirmed that several people were injured after the impact. The injured received attention at nearby health centers, where medical personnel proceeded to stabilize them before evaluating possible transfers to hospitals in the city of Arequipa.

Traffic in the area was restricted while rescue operations, victim transport, and investigation were carried out. The magnitude of the accident generated a strong shock among the transporters circulating on the route.

Intervention by authorities and emergency teams

Vehicle covered the Challhuahuacho (Apurímac) – Arequipa route. Image Viva

Police officers from the Highway Police arrived at the scene, who initiated the first aid actions. The agents coordinated the transfer of the injured and secured the area to allow the work of the specialized teams.

Also, forensic experts and representatives of the Public Ministry were dispatched. Their presence responds to the beginning of the formal proceedings to clarify what happened. The police reported that "they are carrying out the investigations of the case to determine the causes of the traffic accident."

Emergency teams played key roles in the rescue and immediate care. The deployment included the evacuation of passengers, the verification of victims, and logistical support to maintain order on the road.

One of the factors in the investigation is the condition of the road at the time of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate that the weather conditions were adverse in the Imata sector. The presence of ice on the road appears as a possible cause of the accident. Witnesses in the area indicated that the pavement had slippery layers. According to those versions, "the presence of ice on the road would be one of the factors that caused the accident." That information is part of the lines of investigation being analyzed by the authorities.

You can also read:Tragic accident in Las Caobas leaves two women dead and two men seriously injured

The impact between the Cielo Andino company's minivan and the tractor-trailer caused severe damage to both vehicles. The violence of the crash explains the high number of victims recorded at the scene and during subsequent transfers. Authorities continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and conduct technical analysis of the scene. The objective is to precisely establish the circumstances that led to the accident on one of the most demanding sections of the Arequipa–Puno route.