A van lays in ruins after falling off a cliff while transporting tourists from Machu Picchu to Cusco, Peru
(Picture: AP)Four people have been killed and 16 injured after a bus carrying tourists careered off a mountain pass near Machu Picchu in Peru.
The tragedy happened as the group returned from visiting the ancient Inca site, to the city of Cusco, on Monday.
The minivan is understood to have tumbled off Abra Malaga - a remote road through steep mountains - during heavy fog, before falling 100ft down a ravine.
Two Colombian nationals are said to be among the four tourists who died in the crash, while the other two are yet to be identified.
It is understood that four people from France, two from Greece, one from the Netherlands, two from Israel, two from Canada, two from Argentina and two Peruvians are among those injured.
Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Roberto Sanchez Palomino wrote on his personal Twitter account [in Spanish, translated to English]: “The city of Cusco woke up with unfortunate news.
“Four tourists died after a minivan overturned on the Abra Málaga Quillabamba-Cusco route.
“We deeply regret the loss of human lives and express our deepest condolences to their families.
“We are in Cusco since dawn supporting the aid and actions.
“Four deceased people, three in the ICU, four discharged and nine injured are being treated and are stable.
“An investigation into the incident has been started. We are ready to transfer to Lima.”
