Dozens killed as bus plummets over 650 feet into ravine in Peru

(CNN) — At least 29 people are dead in Peru after a bus plummeted over 650 feet into a ravine on Tuesday while traveling from the capital Lima to the southern city of Ayacucho, authorities said.

Search and rescue operations are underway, the country’s Interior Ministry said on X, adding that 13 people are injured.

The incident happened around 5 a.m. local time and the cause is unknown, authorities said.

All of those injured are being treated in nearby hospitals.

Peru’s mountainous roads have seen several deadly accidents in the past few years.

In April 2021, a bus accident occurred in Peru’s Áncash department, around 280 miles from Lima, leaving 20 people dead and 14 injured.

In February 2022, another 20 people died and 33 were injured after a bus derailed and fell into a 330 foot ravine in the Pataz province, in northern Peru.

This story has been updated with additional information. CNNEE’s Mauricio Torres contributed reporting.

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