A small tourist plane crashed near Peru's ancient Nazca Lines archaeological site on Sunday, killing all 13 people on board. The victims included 11 international visitors and two crew members, according to local authorities.

The aircraft went down as it was flying over the famed geoglyphs, a popular attraction for aerial sightseeing tours. The accident has prompted a rapid response from Peruvian emergency services and aviation officials.

The aircraft went down as it was flying over the famed geoglyphs, a popular attraction for aerial sightseeing tours.

Among the tourists killed were German, Italian, and Spanish nationals, The Independent reported, citing authorities. The identities of all those aboard are being confirmed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigation Underway After Fatal Crash

The plane, which was conducting a routine sightseeing flight, crashed in an unspecified area close to the Nazca Lines. Details on the exact cause of the accident remain unclear, with an official inquiry now launched.

Emergency teams arrived at the crash site shortly after the incident was reported. Peruvian aviation authorities have commenced an investigation into the circumstances that led to the crash.

crashed tourist plane wreckage nazca lines

Nazca Lines: A Popular Tourist Destination

The Nazca Lines, located in the desert plains of southern Peru, are a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for their enormous geoglyphs carved into the desert floor by the ancient Nazca culture. These intricate designs, depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes, are best viewed from the air.

Flights over the Nazca Lines are a significant part of Peru's tourism programme, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Several small airlines operate these aerial tours from local airports, offering panoramic views of the archaeological wonders.

Past safety records of these flights have occasionally drawn scrutiny, though specific details regarding this operator were not immediately available. The current investigation will likely examine aircraft maintenance records and pilot qualifications.

Authorities expect the recovery and identification process to continue over the coming days, with efforts also focused on repatriating the remains of the international tourists.