Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Ica, Peru: 2 Tourists from Italy in Fatal Dune Buggy Accident

(LIP-ir) -- Huacachina, a small town built around a lake in the Ica Region of southwestern Peru, is known as the "oasis of America."

Huacachina oasis is especially visited by tourists that enjoy sandboarding on its sand dunes, which are several hundred feet high, or taking fast rides in dune buggies.

For the first time since dune buggy businesses began operating in Huacachina in November 2005, a fatal accident has occurred.

At 7:45 a.m. yesterday morning, hours before authorities make their daily rounds checking all dune buggies, an accident involving two Italian tourists and a Peruvian driver was reported.

The driver identified as César Quispe Ramos (36) and Eleonora Cinini Itoyán (30), a tourist from Italy, have been reported to have been killed in the accident. Matteo Bruni (30), Cinni's companion, survived the accident and was seen at a hospital in Ica.

It is believed that the accident occurred due to a dense early morning fog and the bursting of a tire.

Municipal authority in Ica, Gustavo Vera Véliz, stated that there are strict rules with respect to dune buggy businesses. Drivers have to complete training programs and are not allowed to leave until several inspections have been made. The accident was reported before authorities had had a chance to make daily rounds.

The dune buggy belonged to Desert Adventures, a company owned by Fernando Casas Martínez.

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# snoopy says :
2 August, 2007 [ 10:09 ]

Something that is not clear enough is the driver’s age since most newspapers say he was 19 years old which could represent an important fact to consider, it might be the reason for his lack of experience driving this dune buggy, accidents happen but authorities should prevent them, my deepest sympathies to the relatives and friends.

# Jeff Robins says :
2 August, 2007 [ 13:06 ]

This one outfit with a show all table at Las Dunas offers buggy rides. I told this guy one time that unless it is me driving, I wasn't interested. He wouldn't go for it.

# Dale Hemme says :
2 August, 2007 [ 14:11 ]

Wow, I was not aware the tourist does not get to drive his own death wagon. If you are going to put your life in a wreckless position it is only one sole to be part of the coaster race that happens daily between San Isidro and Milaflores on Arequipa Avenue................ Strick rules for any activity here is only a sick joke.................... The concept of personal saftey as a proactive activity never even approaches much less passes the thresholds of these peoples minds. Tourists please do not leave your critical thinking skills at home as sadly this is proof you desparately need them here................. 

# Jeff Robins says :
2 August, 2007 [ 16:30 ]

I guess all I can do is too insert my crainum up my own rectumous as far up to the colonomus to try and visualize from your own perspective.

# Lia says :
2 August, 2007 [ 21:28 ]

It is important to ask about everything when you hire a service like that in Peru, insurance, experience, etc. There are a lot of "expontaneous businesses" in Peru (non-formal) and the authorities cannot or do not want to supervise all the safety issues. The regulations are sometimes poor and some authorities can ignore the rules if they are bribed. Sad but true.

# Christie Coleman says :
4 August, 2007 [ 13:45 ]

As a representative from the company that experienced this accident I would like to advise everyone to be very wary of what you hear from the media and municipality authorities who try to relieve themselves of any responsibility when their only role in controlling dune buggy activity here in Huacachina is by charging a tax per tourist which they blindly rob for their own pockets. They do not train drivers, nor do they have a strict policy as to the maintenence of vehicles
The truth is that this accident was a tradgedy which happened to a well trusted and well established company that has been operating since 2001, the same company that created the Huacachina route and the first dune buggies to circulate. Noone is free of the possibility of accidents, not airplanes, not buses, not taxis, and the same is true with dune buggies, even the best as we consider ourselves to be.
What happened was a horrible accident, and we are just trying to mourn the death of a driver who had become part of our family and despite his young age, had more experience that many of older drivers who circulate. He was a person who loved life, and loved sharing the experience of the desert with tourists. I didnt know the Italian girl who also passed away, but Im sure she too would like to rest in peace. So lets just remember, although as human beings our nature is to blame and create drama, what happened on Agust 1st to these young people was an accident, so lets respect their memories and accept it for what it was.
Anyone who would like more information about this accident can contact me at travellerchic@yahoo.com. As I am an American living in Huacachina, know the circumstances and was the first on the sceene to the accident so that I can dispell any misunderstanding. 

Christina

# Ellie says :
13 August, 2007 [ 13:01 ]

The driver of this tragedy was a special friend and a fantastic person with such energy and passion for life. He lived for his work and enjoyed sharing the desert with others. Although he was young he was as responsible as any other driver out on the dunes, if not more.

It is a great loss that such a kind, generous, energetic, happy, passionate young man lost his life when he had so much to offer.

He will be greatly missed by the Haucachina community and by myself more than anyone can imagine. It is a great loss along with the loss of his fellow passenger who i hope can also rest in peace.
With all my heart and sympathy.

# gihad says :
20 August, 2007 [ 09:43 ]

 I thank you Bolivia for being the first country in sending help to my country Peru.

Muchas gracias hermanos de Bolivia.