At least 37 people were killed when a passenger bus plunged into a ravine in the Arequipa region of southern Peru, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The accident occurred on the Panamericana Sur highway near the Ocoña district. According to Arequipa’s regional health chief, Walther Oporto, 36 people died at the scene and one more succumbed to injuries in hospital. The bus reportedly collided with a van before veering off the road and falling into the ravine. Rescue teams and firefighters responded quickly, and 26 injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, three of whom are in critical condition. The Arequipa regional government said it is providing medical assistance to the victims, while an initial highway patrol report confirmed at least 16 deaths before the full toll was verified.