SRINAGAR: At least 13 people, including 11 foreign tourists and two crew members, were killed after a sightseeing aircraft crashed into a field near the Peruvian city of Nazca on Saturday, local authorities said.
A National Police spokesperson told reporters at the scene that those killed included 11 passengers, the pilot and a co-pilot or guide.
According to Peru’s Ministry for Trade and Tourism, the aircraft was carrying 11 foreign tourists and two crew members when it crashed. State-run news agency Agencia Andina reported that the passengers included two Germans, two Spaniards and seven Italians.
Authorities said the aircraft, operated by Peruvian aviation company Aerodiana, had departed from the nearby city of Ica for a sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines, one of the Ica region’s most prominent tourist attractions.
Officials said the plane had apparently completed the aerial tour and was approaching Nazca Airport when it lost contact with the control tower before crashing into a nearby field.
The accident occurred a day after a sandstorm affected the area.
According to Aerodiana’s website, the company has been operating scenic flights over the Nazca Lines for the past 14 years using Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.
Peruvian authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
