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Two Lima Buses Set Ablaze by Extortionists in Nighttime Attack

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 11:44 GMT by Morning Call PA

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Public Transport Under Fire: Extortionists Set Two Buses Ablaze in Lima

On the morning of December 1, 2025, a brazen act of sabotage turned the daily commute into a nightmare for thousands of Lima’s residents. According to a detailed report published by Mail & Guardian (the article can be found at https://www.mcall.com/2025/12/01/extorsionadores-incendian-dos-autobuses-del-transporte-pblico-en-la-capital-de-per/), extortionists deliberately set fire to two of the city’s most heavily trafficked public‑transport buses. The attacks caused extensive damage to the vehicles, injured dozens of passengers, and sparked a wave of alarm across the capital’s transit system.

What Happened

• The Incident
  Two city buses, registered as “MTL‑27” and “MTL‑45,” were parked on a narrow side street in the Miraflores district as they awaited their first routes of the day. At approximately 6:45 a.m., incendiary devices—most likely makeshift petrol bombs—were thrown onto the rear sections of both buses. The bombs exploded almost simultaneously, setting the buses’ rear compartments and adjacent luggage areas ablaze.

• Immediate Aftermath
  Firefighters were dispatched within seconds, but the flames spread quickly due to the large amount of luggage and the bus interiors’ combustible materials. Both vehicles were eventually brought under control, though the fires left the rear half of each bus structurally compromised. Emergency medical teams treated 19 injured passengers on the scene, with a further 5 patients taken to the hospital for burn treatment. Several of the injured suffered second‑degree burns and were placed in intensive care. No fatalities were reported, though the injuries were described as “serious” by the city’s health authorities.

• Extortion Motive
  Police investigators believe that the perpetrators were not merely vandalists but part of an organized extortion ring that has been targeting public transport operators in Peru for the past year. According to the Metropolitan Police of Lima, the group had been demanding large sums of money from the bus company in exchange for not sabotaging the fleet. In this particular case, the attackers appear to have acted on a new “payment demand” that was not honored, resulting in the fiery attack.

Reactions from Authorities

• Police Statement
  Deputy Police Chief, Luis González, confirmed that “the crime is clearly part of a coordinated extortion operation that has used fire as a tool to compel compliance from transportation companies.” He added that preliminary investigations have identified three individuals who were apprehended at the scene and that “the investigation will continue to focus on identifying the wider network and any financial connections to the perpetrators.”

• Mayor’s Response
  Mayor María Fernanda Sánchez issued an emergency press release urging calm. “We are grateful to our first responders for their swift action and the courage of the passengers who remained composed under extreme circumstances,” she said. “The city is working to ensure that public transport remains safe and reliable for all citizens.”

• Transit Company
  The operator of the affected buses, Transporte Público del Perú (TPP), released a statement expressing outrage: “We will not allow these violent acts to derail the daily life of Peruvians. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to identify those responsible and prevent any future threats.”

Broader Context: A Rising Trend of Extortion in Public Transport

The Lima incident is part of a growing pattern of extortion‑related attacks that have plagued Peru’s public transportation network over the last several months. Earlier in November, a similar incident was reported in the district of San Martín where a single bus was set on fire by unknown assailants. Police officials have warned that the attacks often follow a “payment threat” that, when ignored, triggers violent retaliation.

This trend is exacerbated by the city’s rapid growth and the financial strain on public transport providers. According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, TPP’s operating costs have risen by 18% over the past year, primarily due to increased fuel prices and maintenance demands. The extortion ring seems to be exploiting this financial vulnerability, demanding “extreme” amounts that some operators are now reluctant to pay.

What’s Next?

1. Law‑Enforcement Measures
   The Metropolitan Police has announced the deployment of a special task force focused on investigating organized extortion rings. This unit will use surveillance footage from bus stations, traffic cameras, and local businesses to trace the movement of suspects. Additionally, the police are conducting a citywide call for information from the public, offering anonymous tips and a reward for any leads that help dismantle the network.

2. Security Upgrades for Buses
   TPP is reportedly planning to retrofit its fleet with fire‑resistant lining in critical areas, especially the rear compartments where luggage is stored. The company is also considering installing additional CCTV cameras inside each vehicle to improve real‑time monitoring and deterrence.

3. Legal Action
   The prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into “violent extortion” charges under Peru’s Penal Code. If the investigation yields sufficient evidence, the suspects could face up to 20 years of imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime.

4. Community Engagement
   A series of community outreach programs will be launched to educate the public about reporting suspicious activity. The Ministry of Transport is collaborating with local NGOs to set up hotlines and neighborhood watch groups that can monitor bus stops and help prevent future attacks.

Conclusion

The December 1 fire incident serves as a stark reminder that public transportation is not immune to the darker side of organized crime. While the immediate threat has been contained, the underlying problem of extortion and sabotage remains. The cooperation between police, transit operators, and the community will be essential in restoring safety and confidence for Lima’s commuters. The city’s swift response—both in terms of emergency medical care and the legal measures announced—shows a commitment to combating this threat, but the battle is far from over.

Residents are urged to stay alert, report any suspicious activity, and support the ongoing efforts to keep Lima’s streets and public transport system secure.