All 13 people aboard a tourist aircraft died Saturday when it crashed in the Pueblo Viejo area of southern Peru’s Nazca province, local authorities said.
The Municipalidad Provincial de Nasca said the Aerodiana aircraft had departed from Pisco for a sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines. The municipality extended condolences to the victims’ families and said its personnel assisted with the emergency response.
The Municipalidad Distrital de Vista Alegre said the aircraft left from Pisco Airport, correcting reports that it took off from María Reiche Neuman Airport in Nazca.
Peru’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation said 11 foreign tourists and two crew members were aboard, according to RPP.
Police reports cited by Reuters said the crash happened at about 12:55 p.m. local time. The news agency said the site was about 6 kilometers, or 4 miles, from Nazca and roughly 12 kilometers from the Nazca Lines.
Authorities have not determined what caused the crash. The provincial municipality said aviation authorities will investigate the crash and determine responsibility under Peruvian law.
The Nazca Lines are a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring large figures and geometric designs etched into the desert between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500.
This is a developing story. Virginia Times will update as information becomes available.
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