Cusco, Peru—A passenger bus tumbled hundreds of meters into a ravine early Friday morning. The vehicle had been traveling a winding mountain route when the driver lost control. Rescuers spent hours scaling the steep slope to reach the wreckage and recover the victims.

Twelve fatalities have been confirmed by local health authorities. Several survivors were pulled from the mangled bus and transported via helicopter to the nearest regional hospital. The medical staff describes the condition of the survivors as critical given the impact of the fall.

The highway is known for its treacherous curves and narrow lanes. It is common for commercial vehicles to navigate these passes during the early hours of the day. Police are currently inspecting the road surface for signs of mechanical failure or skidding.

We have a massive operation underway to stabilize the wreckage, said a lead rescue coordinator. The terrain is unstable and the weather is worsening, making the recovery very slow. Our primary goal is to ensure no survivors are missed in the tall vegetation.

The transport company has suspended operations for the route pending a full safety review. Family members have gathered at the transit hub, waiting for official confirmation on the identities of those onboard. The atmosphere is quiet and filled with tension.

Investigators have recovered the bus’s manifest and are cross-referencing it with the individuals pulled from the site. Forensic experts are collecting evidence from the vehicle frame to understand why it left the road. Weather reports show it was clear, pointing to other potential factors.

Traffic on the main mountain artery is heavily restricted as cranes attempt to stabilize the hanging wreckage. The road will stay closed until the investigation team clears the evidence from the descent. For now, the mountain remains a scene of mourning and intense activity.

The recovery effort will continue throughout the day. Officials expect the casualty count to remain at twelve as they search the immediate radius of the crash site. The focus is now on ensuring the remaining survivors get the medical attention they require.