British nationals have been involved in a train collision near Machu Picchu in Peru, the Foreign Office said.

Two trains taking tourists to and from the famed archaeological site collided on Tuesday, leaving a railway worker dead and more than 30 injured, authorities said.

The collision happened in the early afternoon near Qoriwayrachina, also an archaeological site, according to the company operating the railway.

The Foreign Office confirmed the involvement of an unspecified number of Britons in a statement, saying: "We are supporting a number of British nationals involved in a train collision near Machu Picchu, Peru, and are in contact with the local authorities."

Image: Emergency workers at the scene. Pic: AP

Image: Injured people were loaded into ambulances. Pic: AP

Jhonathan Castillo Gonzalez, a captain with the police department in the nearby city of Cuzco, said that train services along the line connecting Machu Picchu with Cuzco were suspended after the accident.

Authorities have not shared details regarding the cause of the crash.

Footage shared by local media showed train carriages with broken windows and dented sides, which were stuck on tracks set between a forest and a rock wall.

Image: Machu Picchu. Pic: iStock

Around 1.5 million people flock to Machu Picchu every year, most of whom arrive by train.

The number of people visiting the Incan citadel has increased by about 25% over the past decade.

The archaeological site was built by the Incas in the 15th century and served as a sanctuary for the Inca emperors.

Machu Picchu is known for its dry-stone brick walls and its three primary structures, including the Temple of the Sun.