Lima (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic plane crash near Peru’s iconic Nazca Lines claimed the lives of all 13 people on board after a sightseeing aircraft carrying European tourists went down shortly after departure, authorities said on Saturday.
The aircraft, operated by Peruvian aviation company Aerodiana, had taken off from Ica for a scenic tour over the ancient desert geoglyphs before crashing into an open field near the city of Nazca. Emergency teams rushed to the site, but there were no survivors.
Peru’s Ministry of Transport confirmed that the victims included seven Italian tourists, two Spanish nationals, two German visitors, along with the aircraft’s pilot Americo Salazar and co-pilot Irenka Guanilo del Carpio.
Aerodiana has operated aerial tours over the Nazca Lines for several years using Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, offering visitors a bird’s-eye view of the UNESCO-recognised archaeological site. The Nazca Lines, created centuries ago by ancient Indigenous civilizations, feature enormous figures of animals and geometric patterns that are best seen from the air.
Reacting to the tragedy, President Keiko Fujimori expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said the government was considering a temporary suspension of airport operations in the area until authorities complete an initial safety assessment. She noted that the final decision would be based on reports submitted by the relevant ministries.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine what caused the aircraft to crash. Officials are examining all possible factors, including the aircraft’s technical condition, weather conditions and flight operations, though no preliminary cause has been announced.
The crash has sent shockwaves through Peru’s tourism sector, as flights over the Nazca Lines remain one of the country’s most popular attractions for international visitors. Aerodiana had not issued an official statement regarding the accident at the time of reporting. Investigators continue to inspect the wreckage as authorities work to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal crash.
