In a harrowing incident captured on dashcam footage, two commercial trucks were engulfed by a cascade of massive boulders hurtling down a mountainside in Peru’s San Mateo district of Huanchor. The alarming scene unfolded on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, as reported by CNN.
The video footage depicts the heart-stopping sight of colossal rocks crashing onto the roadway, striking one truck and causing it to overturn, while another gigantic boulder creates a massive crater just ahead of a second vehicle. Despite the ferocity of the rockfall, both drivers miraculously survived the ordeal.
However, the cargo carried by the two trucks was completely crushed, and a section of the Central Highway lay in ruins. Photos taken in the aftermath reveal a chaotic scene, with countless stones strewn across the road and the mangled wreckage of the overturned truck.
Authorities worked tirelessly for four hours to clear the roadway, grappling with the formidable task of removing the debris and restoring access for traffic. An investigation has been launched to ascertain the precise cause of the accident, with initial suspicions pointing towards the destabilization of the terrain due to heavy rains in the region.
This incident comes amid a spate of landslides and natural disasters plaguing Peru in recent years. In 2023, the country witnessed a series of devastating landslides triggered by relentless rainfall, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread destruction. Tragically, incidents such as the one in Huanchor serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable and perilous nature of the country’s mountainous terrain.
As authorities continue their investigation into this latest disaster, the incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure resilience to mitigate the risks posed by natural hazards in Peru’s rugged landscape.
Sources By Agencies
