13 killed in plane crash over Peru's Nazca Lines

A tragic accident claimed the lives of 13 people, including 11 tourists, when a small plane crashed while flying over the famed Nazca Lines in southern Peru. The aircraft, operated by the company Aerodiana, departed from the city of Pisco for a scenic flight over the ancient geoglyphs in the Ica region.

The municipal government of Nazca confirmed the crash in the Pueblo Viejo area, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of life. The victims included the 11 passengers and the two pilots. Police have cordoned off the crash site, where the plane reportedly crashed and caught fire, awaiting the arrival of the public prosecutor and aviation authorities to begin their investigation.

According to a spokesperson for the National Police, the plane had seemingly completed its aerial tour of the Nazca Lines and was approaching the Nazca airport when it lost communication with air traffic control. Another aircraft in the vicinity witnessed the accident, a tourist guide working in Nazca told EFE.

The incident occurred just one day after the Ica region experienced moderate winds, with speeds reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour in Pisco, according to the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi). The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the relevant aviation authorities, who will determine responsibility.