A tragic bus accident in the Peruvian town of Cajamarca has claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals, contrary to earlier reports of ten casualties. The Provincial prosecutor, Olga Bobadilla, confirmed the higher death toll and stated that an unknown number of injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals. Representatives from the Public Ministry are currently present at the accident site to investigate the causes.

The bus accident occurred when the vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the Sendama River, after falling down a steep 200-meter-high cliff in the Celendín municipality. This region’s complex geography has posed challenges for rescue efforts, as reported by local media outlets. The incident took place in the district of Sorochuco, specifically in the area called Lucuma, only minutes away from its intended destination.

In response to this tragedy, the mayor of Celendín, Julio Chávez, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He announced that the provincial municipality would observe a mourning period of 72 hours, with the flag flown at half-mast.