Peru probes crash of tourist plane that killed 13

Peruvian authorities are currently investigating a small plane crash that claimed the lives of all 13 people on board, including seven Italians, two Germans, two Spaniards, and two Peruvian crew members. The Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft, operated by AeroDiana, crashed on Saturday after taking off from Pisco airport, situated approximately 240km south of Lima.

The grim recovery process commenced overnight, with charred bodies being placed in black bags for transport to the regional morgue. Once the scene is secured, the investigation will proceed in coordination with relevant authorities to ascertain the cause of the tragic plane crash. Due to the state of the recovered bodies, DNA tests will be conducted, enabling the scientific identification of the victims and allowing for their remains to be returned to their families.

Foreign Trade Minister Rogers Valencia disclosed that the pilot had reported mechanical issues prior to the crash, although it remains unclear whether an engine failure was the cause. Carlos Cordero of the transportation ministry's aviation accident investigation commission stated, "The plane exploded, apparently as a result of the impact; it did not explode beforehand."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her deepest condolences for the tragic plane crash, in which seven Italian citizens lost their lives. AeroDiana, the company that operates the sightseeing tours over the renowned Nazca Lines, expressed regret over the accident and pledged its full cooperation with the competent authorities in assisting the ongoing investigations.

The Nazca Lines, best viewed from the air, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring intricate geoglyphs etched into the desert sands. These ancient figures, dating back between 500 BC and 500 AD, have seen their fair share of deadly crashes in the past. In a 2022 incident, seven people were killed, including three Dutch nationals.