2 Israelis killed in Peru accidents
Man and woman killed in two separate accidents in Peru, total of 7 israeli injured en route to capital city of Lima; Foreign Ministry says it is handling the matter
Two Israeli backpackers, Rotem Tavor, 24, and Yamit Linniel (22), were killed in two separate accidents in Peru, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
According to available information, Linniel was killed when a bus was overturned near the city of Ayacucho. Six other Israelis were injured.
Tavor was killed in a separate accident, also involving a bus, near Pisco. Three other Israeli tourists were injured near. Two foreign tourists were also killed in the accident.
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The Foreign Ministry said it was in contact with the families and making the necessary arrangements to bring both home.
Both accidents occurred at different locations on the route between Lima and Cusco. According to Peruvian, media reports 35 other people were also injured in the accident, mostly foreign tourists.
Local police believe the accidents occurred because the drivers were driving over the speed limit. The injured were evacuated to local hospitals to receive medical care.
Some 5,000 people are killed in Peru annually in road accidents caused by negligent driving, dilapidated infrastructure and driving under the influence, according to local police statistics.
Bus accidents in South American countries, including Peru occur regularly. Peru has many very narrow roads that are unpaved; moreover, the buses that transfer backpackers throughout the country on long overnight journeys are often older vehicles.
Peru is a favorite destination for Israeli backpackers in South America, due in part to the low living costs.
In September of last year, Israeli Doron Lugassi was killed during a paragliding competition in Peru. According to reports, he was seriously injured when a gust of wind threw him to the ground and died later in hospital.
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