Missing elderly person found in bitter cold woods after police deploy thermal imaging drone

Authorities in Pennsylvania revealed Monday that officers located a missing elderly person in a wooded area amid bitter cold temperatures, thanks to the use of a drone equipped with thermal imaging.

The West Chester Police Department (WCPD) said an officer, cross-trained as a drone pilot, stepped in after the department was contacted by a neighboring agency to assist in a search and rescue effort on Sunday.

The pilot used a drone equipped with thermal imaging and a spotlight to help guide officers on the ground to the person's location.

Photos released by authorities show the thermal imaging outline of the missing person as well as crews working on the scene.

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"Last evening, West Chester Police was requested by a neighboring agency to assist with the search of an elderly person who was lost," the agency said in a post on social media. 

"A WCPD officer who is cross trained as a drone pilot responded to the scene. Our officer used the drone, which is equipped with thermal imaging and a spotlight. With the drone, we located the elderly person in a wooded area, and our officer was able to direct officers on the ground to the person’s location."

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Authorities said medical care was "delivered swiftly."

WCPD said technology, such as drones, played a key role in the safe recovery of the missing elderly person.

"We are proud to say that this is an example of us leveraging technology with training to deliver high quality service to our community," police said. "It’s another way we are helping to build safer and stronger communities."

Fox News Digital reached out to West Chester Police Department for more information.

US citizens injured in Peru train collision near world-famous Machu Picchu tourist destination

Two trains collided head-on along a rail line leading to Machu Picchu in Peru on Tuesday, killing a railroad worker and injuring dozens of others, including U.S. citizens, authorities in Peru said.

The Associated Press reported that the person who died was a railroad employee, according to Jhonathan Castillo Gonzalez, a captain with the Cuzco police department, who said rail service was suspended along the route connecting Machu Picchu with the nearby city of Cuzco following the crash.

The U.S. Embassy in Peru said it received reports of a collision between two trains traveling between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Pueblo.

The rail line is the primary transportation corridor for tourists traveling to Machu Picchu, one of South America’s most visited archaeological sites.

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"There are U.S. citizens among the injured in the crash," the embassy said, adding that Peruvian authorities were dispatching first responders to the crash site.

The extent of the injuries and the total number of people hurt were not immediately clear. Officials had not released information on what caused the collision as of Tuesday.

Aguas Calientes, located in a narrow valley along the Urubamba River, serves as the gateway town to Machu Picchu and is accessible primarily by train or hiking routes.

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The rail line connects Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and runs through mountainous terrain. It is used daily by thousands of tourists, as well as local residents and workers.

Ollantaytambo, about 45 miles northwest of Cusco, is a major transportation hub in Peru’s Sacred Valley and a common starting point for rail travel to Machu Picchu. The area is known for its steep geography, limited road access and heavy reliance on rail transport.

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The U.S. Embassy encouraged anyone in need of assistance following the crash to contact iPeru at +51 944-492-314.

All rail traffic between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes has been suspended, according to officials.

Travelers with upcoming rail plans are being advised to contact their rail service provider directly to reschedule trips or inquire about reimbursement options.

It was not immediately known when service would resume or how many passengers were affected by the suspension.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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