Thirteen dead as small plane crashes in Peru: 7 Italians, 2 Spaniards, 2 Germans, and 2 Peruvians

Thirteen people, including eleven foreign tourists, died when a small plane crashed in Peru while on a tour of the famous Nazca Lines. The victims comprised seven Italians, two Spaniards, and two Germans, alongside the two Peruvian crew members. There were no survivors from the incident, which occurred approximately two kilometers from the Nazca airport after the aircraft had taken off from Pisco.

The aircraft, a Cessna Grand Caravan C-208 operated by Aerodiana, was carrying 12 passengers. The Ministry of Transport and Communications reported that the crew alerted the Nazca control tower to an emergency situation shortly before all radio contact was lost. Emergency services, including airport firefighters and the National Police, were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Peru's President Keiko Fujimori expressed deep regret over the accident. She stated that the Minister of Transport and Communications is overseeing the investigation, while the foreign minister is in contact with the consulates of the deceased foreign nationals. The government is also evaluating the temporary closure of the airport from which the plane departed. The Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation, and the bodies will be transferred to the morgue for identification and subsequent release to families.

Aerodiana issued a statement expressing profound sorrow and extending condolences to the families of the victims. The company highlighted its 18-year commitment to passenger and crew safety, stating that the accident deeply affects them. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, involving the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics and the Aviation Accident Investigation Commission.

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The Minister of Transport and Communications is carrying out the corresponding investigation and the chancellor is communicating with the consulates of the foreign citizens who have lost their lives.