Peru: Fire Threatens Access to Machu Picchu and Claims One Life

09:03

A fire that has been spreading since Friday in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru, is alarming authorities due to its proximity to one of the main routes leading to Machu Picchu. The incident has already resulted in one fatality and two injuries, according to local authorities.

The flames are advancing in the region of Cuzco, near the road used by visitors wishing to reach the famous Inca citadel. The affected area is also close to Ollantaytambo, whose train station serves as one of the main departure points for travelers heading to the tourist site.

One Fatality and Two Burn Victims

The human toll reported on Saturday indicates the death of an elderly person who could not escape the flames. Two other individuals have been injured and are suffering from second-degree burns.

Rescue teams and disaster management services continue their operations as the fire remains active. Authorities are closely monitoring its progress due to the proximity of the infrastructure used daily by tourists.

A Tourist Area Directly Exposed

The progression of the fire raises particular concern in this part of the Sacred Valley, where tourist movements are frequent. Buses traveling to Machu Picchu pass within just a few hundred meters of the area affected by the flames, according to a local resident quoted by local media.

The Ollantaytambo sector plays a major role in accessing Machu Picchu. Its train station is one of the most frequented by travelers who then continue their journey by train to the Inca city.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic cultural and tourist sites in Peru. The proximity of the fire to this access route heightens the vigilance of authorities, as the situation remains fluid.