13 killed in Peru sightseeing plane crash over Nazca Lines

A small sightseeing plane crashed in southern Peru on Saturday, August 1, killing all 13 people on board as they were flying to view the famous Nazca Lines archaeological site. The victims included 11 passengers and two crew members, according to police.

The aircraft, operated by the Peruvian company Aerodiana, crashed in the Pueblo Viejo area near the city of Nazca, approximately 275 miles southeast of the capital, Lima. Police Major Jorge Andrade confirmed the death toll from the crash site. Local reports indicated the wreckage was quickly engulfed in flames, preventing any rescues.

Authorities stated the plane was carrying mostly tourists on a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of massive geoglyphs carved into the desert soil. Preliminary information from the Vista Alegre district municipality indicated the aircraft experienced an emergency during the flight, though the specific nature of the problem was not disclosed. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The flight had departed from Pisco, in the Ica department, according to most reports, though one local government statement cited a departure from the city of Ica. Aerodiana,...