Fatal vehicle crash in northern Peru

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at least 14 people died and five were injured when a vehicle fell into a ravine in northern Peru. The accident occurred near the town of San Juan, located approximately 800 kilometers north of Lima, as the vehicle was heading toward Ciudad de Dios. Ricardo Chillon, a municipal official, confirmed that the driver and a child were among those killed. The vehicle was reportedly carrying 19 passengers at the time of the incident. While initial reports cited the San Juan area, other sources mentioned the incident took place near Choten in the Cajamarca province. Prosecutors are overseeing the identification and recovery of the victims. Authorities note that road accidents are frequent in Peru due to poor infrastructure, speeding, and a lack of vehicle oversight, with over 3,000 fatalities recorded nationwide last year.