According to police reports, a truck which was carrying schoolchildren home from a parade lost control before falling into a ravine in Peru's Andes Mountains.

The incident has claimed the lives of 17 people, 15 of whom were schoolchildren aged between nine and 15.

According to hospital director, Rosa Pascul, a further 33 individuals were injured, five of whom are considered to be in a 'grave' condition.

Hoping to avoid the 90 minute walk from the site of the parade, a number of children made the fateful decision to get in the back of the truck which was travelling to the remote community of Cahuac, 160 miles north east of Lima.

Authorities have asserted that poor roads and old vehicles are contributing factors in Peru's high accident rate.

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the devastating event.

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