Peruvian police officer dies during promotion exams in Ayacucho

Two Peruvian National Police (PNP) officers suffered severe medical emergencies during physical promotion evaluations at the Leoncio Prado stadium in Ayacucho. Second Petty Officer Miguel Ángel Fajardo de la Cruz, 31, passed away after being rushed to the Hospital Regional de Ayacucho. His colleague, First Petty Officer Edy Benavides Vílchez, remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), intubated, with potential plans for an aeromedical transfer to Lima for specialized treatment.

The incident has raised concerns among police personnel regarding the safety protocols and health screening procedures used during these high-intensity physical tests. Some officers reported that requests for medical exemptions were not favorably addressed, forcing participants to risk their health to avoid disqualification. This event follows a similar tragedy on October 7, where officer José Antonio Cáceres Salas died during promotion tests in Tacna.