13 dead after tourist plane crashes in Peru en route to see famed Nazca Lines
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Dozens of small planes operate in Peru, taking foreign tourists to see the country’s famed Nazca Lines - ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert sands.
PHOTO: EPA
- A small tourist plane crashed near the Nazca Lines in Peru on August 1, killing all 13 people on board, including 11 foreign tourists and 2 crew members.
- The plane caught fire after crashing, preventing any rescue efforts; the cause of the accident is still under investigation by local authorities.
- Flights over the Nazca Lines are popular for sightseeing but were recently suspended due to strong winds and poor visibility affecting safety conditions.
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LIMA - A small tourist plane crashed on Aug 1 as it flew over the Nazca Lines archaeological site in southern Peru, killing 13 people, authorities in Nazca province said.
Peru’s Ministry of Commerce and Tourism said in a statement that the plane was carrying 11 foreign tourists and two crew members.
Local authorities said the plane crashed in the area of Pueblo Viejo, approximately 6km from the city of Nazca and roughly 12km from the Nazca Lines site.
The small plane belonged to the local Peruvian airline Aerodiana, local authorities said, and had taken off from the Pisco Airport. The company was not available for comment.
According to police reports to local press, the accident occurred at 12.55pm local time while the plane was conducting a sightseeing flight and was preparing to begin its return journey.
After crashing, the plane caught fire, making any rescue impossible, according to Peruvian broadcaster RPP. Firefighters and municipal police officers were dispatched to extinguish the fire and carry out initial rescue efforts.
The cause of the crash is unknown and local authorities said they will investigate.
Footage shared on social media showed the smoking wreckage of what appeared to be a small plane on arid plains. Reuters was unable to independently verify the footage.
The Nazca Lines, enormous drawings and geometric figures etched into desert plains in the south of the country, are one of Peru’s main tourist destinations, attracting approximately 100,000 annual visitors. Visitors typically view them from small aircraft flying over the site.
Flights over the Nazca Lines departing from the nearby Maria Reiche Airport had been suspended on July 31 due to winds exceeding 40kph, which kicked up dust and reduced visibility.
The strong winds forced a small plane carrying two Peruvian tourists and another aircraft carrying six foreign visitors to divert to the Marcona Airport, according to local media. REUTERS
