Tragic Bus Collision Claims 37 Lives – What We Know

A devastating bus accident in Peru has left 37 people dead after a vehicle packed with passengers veered off a remote highway and plunged nearly 650 feet into a ravine. The crash occurred on November 12, 2025, in the rugged Arequipa region, known for its dangerous roads.

The ill-fated bus, operated by the Llamosas company, was navigating the hazardous Pan-American Highway South — a route carved into steep mountain slopes and notorious for deadly incidents.

What began as a routine trip from Chala to Arequipa, normally a long but manageable 17-hour journey, quickly turned fatal. Authorities say the bus first struck a pickup truck before losing control and tumbling into a ravine near the Ocoña River.

Images from the scene reveal twisted metal, smashed glass, and a vehicle crushed beyond recognition, scattered across the rocky terrain.

Out of the 60 passengers, 37 lost their lives. Another 25 survivors — including three children — were rushed to nearby medical centers such as Camaná Hospital and the Honorio Delgado and EsSalud facilities. Remarkably, both drivers lived, and the bus driver has been detained as prosecutors launch a full investigation.

Rescue teams worked tirelessly through the night. Thirty-six victims died where the bus fell, while one more passed away at a hospital. Local authorities are now analyzing the wreckage and conducting autopsies.

Peru’s mountainous roads have long been criticized for poor safety conditions, with inadequate signage and reckless driving contributing to frequent tragedies. Mayor Waldor Llerena noted that the 780-kilometer stretch of the Pan-American Highway is especially deadly.

For the families affected, this iconic highway — stretching from Alaska to Argentina — now stands as a symbol of profound loss.