Huaraz, Peru—Eleven people died Tuesday morning after their bus plunged into a steep ravine in the Andean highlands. The vehicle was navigating a narrow mountain road when it plummeted over 200 meters into the valley below. Rescue teams spent hours descending the treacherous slope to reach the wreckage and begin the recovery of the victims.

Local police stated that the bus had departed from a remote highland village and was en route to the city when the accident occurred. Dense fog and poor visibility plagued the area throughout the morning. Investigators suspect that road conditions, combined with a possible mechanical failure, triggered the catastrophic fall.

Medical teams from Huaraz managed to transport 14 injured passengers to the nearest regional clinic. Doctors report that several of these individuals are in critical condition with broken bones and internal injuries. The local hospital is overwhelmed, prompting officials to request emergency medical supplies from the national capital.

This region of the Andes is notorious for its dangerous topography and poorly maintained secondary roads. Frequent accidents occur during the winter months when rain and mist reduce visibility to near zero. Public transportation operators are often criticized for failing to adhere to strict safety inspections on these high-altitude routes.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has ordered an immediate audit of the transport company involved. Officials are investigating whether the bus had passed its most recent safety inspection. Prosecutors arrived at the scene to collect evidence and interview survivors to determine the specific cause of the veer.

Rural communities in the area have gathered at the crash site, adding to the difficulty of the rescue efforts. Local volunteers are assisting the police in retrieving the bodies from the dense undergrowth. The terrain is unstable, forcing responders to move with extreme caution to prevent further slides.

The provincial government declared three days of mourning for those lost in the disaster. Meanwhile, the search for any remaining passengers who might have been ejected during the fall continues. Heavy equipment is being brought in to stabilize the slope so the wreckage can eventually be hoisted out.

The situation remains fluid as more passengers are accounted for and the identity of the deceased is confirmed. Relatives of the victims are being provided with support services as they arrive at the scene of the tragedy. Official statements regarding the cause of the disaster will be released once the forensic investigation concludes.