Fatal bridge failure in northern Peru claims two lives, dozens injured

A devastating bridge collapse in northern Peru on February 14 resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, with dozens more injured. 

The collapse is believed to have been caused by a failure in the central pillar of the bridge, which had been constructed in the 1960s along the Panamerican Highway, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The incident occurred when a double-decker bus, carrying over 50 passengers, fell into a river after the 60-metre (197-foot) bridge it was crossing near Chancay gave way due to a "structural failure," according to disaster management official Cecilia Martino.

The bus was travelling from the port city of Chimbote, located approximately 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of Lima, to the capital.

Authorities confirmed that the bodies of the bus driver and one passenger have been recovered. A total of 41 people were rushed to hospital with injuries following the accident.

This tragedy highlights the ongoing concerns about road safety in Peru, where the Ministry of Transport and Communications reported a staggering 3,138 traffic-related fatalities in 2023 alone.

By Aghakazim Guliyev