At least 14 fatalities and 5 injuries: were reported after a minivan fell into a 500-meter (1,640 feet) ravine near the Choten cemetery, outside the town of San Juan in Cajamarca.
The vehicle: , belonging to transport company Veloz del Valle, was traveling from the San Juan district to Ciudad de Dios (La Libertad region) when it veered off the road and crashed into a ravine.
Rescue efforts are extremely challenging: due to the difficult terrain. Firefighters reported that the vehicle is wedged in a ravine, and at least six bodies were still trapped at the time of reporting.
Among the victims: are the driver and a child. The injured — including two children aged 1 and 4 — were transported to the Hospital Regional de Cajamarca.
Why this matters:: Road accidents are a persistent crisis in Peru. Official data shows over 3,000 people died on Peruvian roads in 2025 alone. Poor road conditions, lack of police enforcement, and reckless driving — particularly speeding — are recurring causes.
Historical context:: This is not an isolated event. Peru's mountainous terrain and poorly maintained highways make road travel inherently dangerous. Accidents in the Cajamarca region, known for its winding mountain roads, are tragically common.
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon when a passenger minivan operated by Veloz del Valle lost control and plummeted into a deep ravine at the Choten sector, near San Juan — a municipality located over 800 kilometers north of Lima. Ricardo Chilón, head of institutional image for the San Juan municipality, confirmed the initial death toll of 14, with five survivors.
Fire Chief Edson Román of the Baños del Inca Fire Company (B-159) described the rescue as "very complicated." The vehicle is wedged in a ravine, and rescue teams are performing complex maneuvers to extract bodies and check for any remaining survivors trapped beneath the wreckage.
Peru has a troubling record of road safety. According to official data, more than 3,000 people lost their lives on Peruvian roads in 2025. The main contributing factors include:
Poor road infrastructure:: Many rural roads in Peru lack proper maintenance, signage, and safety barriers.
Insufficient police oversight:: Limited traffic enforcement in remote areas allows dangerous driving to go unchecked.
Human error:: Speeding and reckless overtaking are frequently cited as primary causes of accidents.
Informal passenger boarding:: Reports indicate that the passenger manifest did not match the number of victims found, suggesting that passengers boarded the vehicle along the route — a common practice that complicates rescue and identification efforts.
Multiple fire companies, Peru's National Police, and SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care System) brigades are on the scene. Representatives from the Public Ministry have arrived to conduct preliminary investigations into the causes of the accident. The Cajamarca Morgue has received the bodies of the deceased for legal procedures.
How many people died in the Cajamarca accident?
At least 14 people were confirmed dead, with 5 others injured. Rescue teams were still recovering additional bodies at the time of reporting.
Where did the accident happen?
The accident occurred on the Cajamarca–Ciudad de Dios highway, at the Choten sector, near the town of San Juan in the Cajamarca region, northern Peru.
What caused the minivan to fall into the ravine?
The causes are still under investigation by the Public Ministry of Peru. However, poor road conditions, lack of safety barriers, and potential driver error are common factors in similar accidents in the region.
Were children among the victims?
Yes. Among the injured were two children aged 1 and 4. A child was also reported among the deceased.
How common are road accidents in Peru?
Unfortunately, they are very common. Official data recorded over 3,000 road fatalities in Peru in 2025, making it one of the countries with the highest road death rates in Latin America.
Understand the risks:: If you are traveling in rural Peru, especially in mountainous regions like Cajamarca, be aware that road conditions can be hazardous. Choose reputable transport companies and check vehicle conditions when possible.
Who this affects most:: This tragedy directly impacts the families and communities of Cajamarca and La Libertad. It also serves as a stark reminder for all travelers in Latin America's mountainous regions, where road safety standards may vary.
How to prepare:: When traveling on rural roads, always wear seatbelts (if available), choose daytime travel when visibility is better, and report reckless driving to authorities. Stay informed about local road conditions before embarking on long journeys.
Key takeaway:: Road safety remains a critical issue in Peru. The 3,000+ annual fatalities call for stronger infrastructure investment, better enforcement of traffic laws, and increased public awareness campaigns.
This tragic accident in Cajamarca highlights the urgent need for improved road safety across Peru and Latin America. *Do you think local authorities are doing enough to prevent such tragedies? Share your thoughts below.*
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