Australian Police Trainer Dies in Inca Trail Fall
Matthew Cameron Paton fell 300 meters down a ravine after a wooden railing reportedly gave way during a group hike near the 50 Gradas section.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links, newsroom standards, and correction details are below.
Fast summary
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- Matthew Cameron Paton, 53, died after falling 300 meters down a steep slope near the 50 Gradas section of the Inca Trail.
- Peruvian police report that Paton was crossing a wooden bridge when a railing gave way after he tripped and attempted to hold onto it.
- Paton was a member of the Police Association of Victoria and was visiting Peru with his wife as part of a tourist group.
What happened
Matthew Cameron Paton, a 53-year-old Australian man, died after falling down a 300-meter (984ft) ravine while hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Members of the High Mountain Rescue Unit in Cusco discovered his body on Thursday near the '50 Gradas' section of the trail following a search and rescue operation that began the previous day.
What's new in this update
Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez disclosed that the fall appears to have been caused by failing infrastructure. According to police reports, Paton tripped while crossing a wooden bridge and attempted to steady himself by grabbing a railing. The wooden railing gave way, causing him to slip into the abyss.
Key details
Paton had arrived in Cusco approximately 12 days ago with his wife and was hiking with a group of tourists and a guide when the accident occurred. The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) confirmed Paton was a valued member and assistant delegate known for his role in training police officers. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family.
Background and context
The Inca Trail is a high-altitude trekking route in the Andes that leads to the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. While it is a strictly regulated path, the rugged terrain and steep slopes require constant maintenance of bridges and safety railings to protect the thousands of hikers who visit the site annually.
What to watch next
Local authorities in Cusco will continue their investigation into the cause of the fall and the condition of the wooden bridge. Paton's body is expected to be transferred to a nearby town as his family works with Australian consular officials to facilitate the repatriation process.
Why this matters
The tragedy raises questions regarding the maintenance of infrastructure on one of the world's most famous hiking routes and has prompted a formal investigation by Peruvian authorities.
Reader context
This story belongs to Northstar Herald's International Relations coverage, with related entities including Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Peru, Matthew Cameron Paton. The report is based on BBC World News source material.
Related coverage
Why it matters
The tragedy raises questions regarding the maintenance of infrastructure on one of the world's most famous hiking routes and has prompted a formal investigation by Peruvian authorities.
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