In brief
A small aircraft carrying tourists crashed over the Nazca Lines archaeological site in southern Peru, killing all 13 people aboard. Eleven passengers and two pilots were lost when the plane went down during a scheduled flight. Authorities are investigating the cause, while the crash has drawn attention to aviation safety near a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Condemnations and condolences have poured in from local officials and the tourist industry.
A small tourist plane crashed over the Nazca Lines archaeological site in southern Peru, claiming the lives of all 13 people on board, according to local news reports and Peruvian officials.
Amid a flight that was likely aimed at providing aerial tours of the geological formations, the aircraft went down on Saturday. Eleven passengers and two pilots were aboard at the time.
Details on the cause of the crash and the identities of the passengers remain unclear, but authorities have launched an investigation to determine the factors involved.
The Nazca Lines, celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, feature ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert plain and attract millions of tourists. Flights over the area are regulated, but this incident has raised questions about safety protocols and risk management for tourist aviation.
Local officials have expressed shock and offered condolences to families:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that befell the small plane over our heritage site. We express our sincere condolences to all affected families and will conduct a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents," a spokesperson said.
