Thirteen people died when a small tourist aircraft crashed in Peru while flying over the ancient Nazca Lines, according to local police and reports from AFP and France 24. The fatalities include 11 foreign tourists and two crew members aboard the flight operated by AeroDiana.
Nazca Lines Sightseeing Flight Crashes in Peru
The fatal accident occurred shortly after 13:00 local time on Saturday after the aircraft departed from the airport in Pisco. Pisco sits roughly 240 kilometers south of the Peruvian capital of Lima. According to an announcement from police authorities, “given the severity of the incident, there are no survivors.” Officials have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims or the specific cause of the crash.
The flight was organized by AeroDiana, a company that offers 30-minute to one-hour aerial excursions over the plateau where the famous geoglyphs are best viewed. Municipal officials in Vista Alegre, where the plane crashed, stated that the disaster happened following an “emergency during flight,” though they provided no further details. A witness reported to local media that the aircraft exploded upon impact.
Victims and Investigation Details
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru confirmed that the 11 passengers were foreign tourists and stated that the agency will assist the respective embassies. Meanwhile, local radio station RPP reported that the victims included seven Italian nationals, two German nationals, and two Spanish nationals. The Peruvian civil aviation authority has launched an official investigation into the crash.
Did you know?
The Nazca Lines consist of hundreds of massive ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, featuring geometric shapes and animal figures up to 300 meters wide. UNESCO designated the plateau a World Heritage Site in 1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the AeroDiana flight to crash in Peru?
Peruvian authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. Municipal officials in Vista Alegre stated that an emergency occurred during the flight, and a witness reported an explosion upon impact. The Peruvian civil aviation authority is currently investigating.
Who were the victims on the downed aircraft?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, all 13 people on board died, including two crew members and 11 foreign tourists. Local radio station RPP reported that the tourists included citizens from Italy, Germany, and Spain.
What are the Nazca Lines?
The Nazca Lines are a collection of massive ancient surface drawings located on a plateau in southern Peru. Dating between 500 BC and 500 AD, the site features geometric forms and animal images that span up to 300 meters, recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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