Investigation Underway After Sightseeing Aircraft Goes Down Near UNESCO World Heritage Site .webp "Tourist Plane Crash Over Peru's Nazca Lines Kills 13, Authorities Say")
.webp "Tourist Plane Crash Over Peru's Nazca Lines Kills 13, Authorities Say")
At least 13 people have died after a tourist aircraft crashed while operating a sightseeing flight over Peru's famous Nazca Lines, according to reports from TVPeru and local authorities.
The aircraft, which was carrying tourists on an aerial tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, reportedly went down shortly after departing from María Reiche Airport in the city of Nazca. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but officials said there were no immediate reports of survivors.
Fatal Sightseeing Flight
The aircraft was conducting one of the popular tourist flights that offer visitors a bird's-eye view of the ancient Nazca Lines—massive geoglyphs etched into Peru's coastal desert more than 1,500 years ago.
The Nazca Lines, which depict animals, plants, geometric figures and symbolic shapes, are visible primarily from the air and remain one of Peru's most visited tourist attractions.
Rescue Teams Deployed
Police, firefighters and medical personnel responded immediately after the aircraft crashed near the airfield.
Authorities secured the area while recovery operations began, with investigators working alongside aviation officials to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Officials have yet to release the identities or nationalities of those on board pending notification of their families.
Investigation Begins
Peru's transport authorities have launched a formal investigation into the crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft's maintenance records, weather conditions, pilot communications and flight data to determine the cause of the accident.
No official explanation has yet been provided, and authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is completed.
Popular Tourist Destination
The Nazca Lines, located around 450 kilometres south of Lima, have attracted visitors from around the world for decades.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological landmark consists of hundreds of enormous designs believed to have been created by the ancient Nazca civilisation between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
Sightseeing flights remain one of the primary ways tourists experience the geoglyphs, although the region has witnessed several aviation accidents involving tour aircraft over the past two decades.
Authorities Promise Full Inquiry
Peruvian officials said a comprehensive investigation will establish the exact cause of the tragedy and determine whether additional aviation safety measures are required for sightseeing operations over the Nazca desert.
The government also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, while promising regular updates as the investigation progresses.