Lima, August 2 (ANI): At least 13 people were killed when a small aircraft crashed in Peru, according to police, Al Jazeera reported.
The incident occurred Saturday as the aircraft was transporting passengers, identified by officials as predominantly tourists, to view the renowned Nazca Lines, a collection of historic archaeological sites featuring massive geoglyphs carved into the desert floor.
“We have information that 11 passengers and two crew members have died,” Police Major Jorge Andrade told reporters at the crash site in the southern part of the country.
According to Al Jazeera, local media reported that the crash site was quickly engulfed in flames, making immediate rescue operations impossible. The aircraft had reportedly taken off from Pisco in the Ica region. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
Peru remains a leading international travel destination, attracting visitors from around the world to explore landmarks including the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and the historic stone structures of Cusco.
Al Jazeera reported that more than 4.1 million international tourists visited the South American nation of nearly 35 million people in 2025, citing figures from Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
The Nazca Lines are located in the desert along Peru’s southern coast near the Andes. Dating from between 500 BC and 500 AD, the site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional cultural significance.
UNESCO describes the archaeological site as “among archaeology’s greatest enigmas because of their quantity, nature, size and continuity.”
“The geoglyphs depict living creatures, stylized plants and imaginary beings, as well as geometric figures several kilometers long,” UNESCO states on its official website, adding that “They are believed to have had ritual astronomical functions.”
Because of their immense scale, the ancient figures are best viewed from the air, allowing passengers to clearly see depictions of animals, including monkeys, hummingbirds, and cats.
Saturday’s fatal crash involved an aircraft operated by the Peruvian sightseeing company Aerodiana, Al Jazeera reported, citing local reports. (ANI)
About The Author
