**LVMH’s Belmond Blames Inca Rail for Fatal Train Collision in Peru**
A luxury hospitality subsidiary of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE has attributed a tragic train crash near Peru’s renowned Machu Picchu to Inca Rail, a company primarily owned by Carlyle Group Inc. The incident, which occurred on December 30, resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries, raising concerns about safety on the country’s most significant railway, vital for its tourism sector.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister’s office, Belmond Ltd, the LVMH subsidiary, claimed that Inca Rail’s train operated on an unauthorized section of the tracks, leading to a head-on collision with another train. The letter, signed by Belmond executive Laurent Carrasset, stated, “The Inca Rail train did not stop at the assigned spot, moving through an unauthorized stretch.” The crash occurred approximately 400 meters later, as the letter detailed.
Carrasset explained that the railway operates on single tracks, requiring trains to make forced stops and use detours to allow trains traveling in opposite directions to pass safely. At the time of the accident, Inca Rail’s train was expected to halt and yield to PeruRail, but it instead continued beyond its designated area.
Inca Rail responded by urging caution against premature conclusions before official investigations are completed, emphasizing its cooperation with authorities and expressing condolences for the injured and the deceased, who was the driver of the Inca Rail train.
The railway connecting Cusco to Machu Picchu serves around 3 million passengers annually, with Belmond holding a dominant position through two joint ventures. According to government statistics, PeruRail commanded a 74% market share of the Machu Picchu route in 2024, while Inca Rail accounted for the remainder. The crash also left approximately 2,000 passengers stranded for about 12 hours, as Machu Picchu is inaccessible by road, necessitating train travel or lengthy hikes.
Machu Picchu, celebrated for its remarkable stone architecture and breathtaking views of the Andes, remains Peru’s top tourist destination, particularly for international visitors who often travel via luxury trains.
**FAQ**
*What caused the train collision near Machu Picchu?*
The collision was reportedly caused by Inca Rail’s train operating on an unauthorized section of the tracks, leading to a head-on crash with another train.
