In Huanchaco, a coastal town near Trujillo, a young Canadian tourist died after stepping onto a high‑voltage cable on a public boardwalk. Local authorities say the incident occurred while the area was undergoing electrical maintenance, and the death reportedly happened before responders could reach the scene. Police from the northern sector of Trujillo confirmed they arrived to assist but found the individual had already died. The case has prompted a rapid response from the Peruvian National Police, which has opened a formal investigation to determine the chain of events and identify any contributing factors. External observers and the Canadian diplomatic mission indicate that consular officials are coordinating with relatives and providing assistance within privacy guidelines, while avoiding further comment pending official findings. — EFE
The National Police of Peru is leading the inquiry, and an autopsy has been scheduled to establish a precise cause of death and confirm whether the incident involved a direct contact with electrical equipment or other electrical infrastructure on the promenade. While the embassy noted ongoing involvement in the case, details have been limited to protect the privacy of those affected and to allow investigators to proceed with their work. Reports indicate that the site of the incident was part of a broader maintenance project on the electrical network along the beachside area, a project publicly associated with a utility contractor rather than staff at the utility company. The investigation will review work permits, safety protocols, and the adequacy of any warning signs or barriers that might have prevented access to potentially dangerous equipment. — EFE
Eyewitnesses in Trujillo described the rescue response and the sequence of events as authorities secured the area and began assessments of the electrical system involved. Some residents observed that after safety measures were temporarily installed, a fatal outcome appeared to have already occurred, leading to questions about timing and the visibility of danger signals along the boardwalk. Investigators are examining whether the incident might have been aggravated by the contractor’s procedures or by gaps in signaling that could inform future prevention efforts. Officials from the publicly traded utility company emphasized that the workers seen on site belonged to the contractor carrying out repairs, rather than employees of the utility, and they expressed regret for the tragedy while reaffirming their commitment to reviewing safety practices. Local media cited video footage and statements from residents as part of the ongoing inquiry, underscoring the need for clear signage and robust safety measures during maintenance work in public spaces. — EFE