Lima: At least 13 people were killed after a tourist aircraft conducting a sightseeing flight crashed near Peru’s world-famous Nazca Lines, authorities said. The aircraft went down shortly after taking off for an aerial tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, prompting a large-scale rescue and investigation into one of the country’s deadliest recent aviation accidents involving tourists.
Emergency responders rushed to the crash site after the aircraft came down in a remote area close to the ancient geoglyphs, but there were no survivors.
Sightseeing aircraft crashes after take-off
According to local authorities, the aircraft was operating a routine sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines when it crashed.
The plane had taken off from Nazca Airport carrying tourists and crew members before losing contact and crashing near the flight route used for aerial tours of the archaeological site.
Officials confirmed that all 13 people on board died in the accident.
Rescue teams recover victims
Police, firefighters and emergency response teams were deployed to the crash site soon after the incident.
Recovery operations were carried out in difficult terrain, and authorities confirmed there were no survivors. The identities and nationalities of those on board were being verified as officials began notifying families.
Investigation launched
Peruvian aviation authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, weather conditions, flight data and communication logs. Authorities have not yet indicated whether mechanical failure, pilot error or adverse weather contributed to the accident.
Officials said it was too early to speculate on the exact cause.
Nazca Lines attract thousands of visitors
The Nazca Lines are among Peru’s most popular tourist attractions and are best viewed from the air.
The enormous geoglyphs, etched into the desert centuries ago, depict animals, plants and geometric figures stretching across the Nazca desert. Thousands of tourists take short sightseeing flights every year to view the ancient designs from above.
The site has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
Aviation safety under scrutiny
The crash has once again drawn attention to the safety of tourist sightseeing flights operating over the Nazca region.
Although such flights are common and heavily regulated, previous accidents have prompted calls for stricter oversight, enhanced aircraft inspections and improved operational safety standards.
Authorities said the investigation would determine whether additional safety measures are required.
Government expresses condolences
Peruvian officials expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pledged full support for the investigation.
The government also said aviation authorities would cooperate with emergency services and investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Conclusion
The tourist plane crash near Peru’s iconic Nazca Lines has claimed 13 lives, marking a tragic day for the country’s tourism sector. As investigators work to determine what caused the accident, authorities have pledged a thorough inquiry while extending support to the victims’ families.