Peru: Tourist plane crashes, 13 dead, 7 of them Italians

The death toll from the dramatic plane crash that occurred in recent hours in southern Peru has risen to 13. A small tourist plane crashed in the province of Nasca, within the Ica region, leaving no survivors. Seven Italian citizens were among the victims.

According to local broadcaster Sol TV, the plane—owned by Aerodiana—had taken off from Pisco airport for its usual sightseeing tour of the famous Nazca Lines archaeological site. Aboard were 11 European tourists (seven Italians, two Germans, and two Spaniards), as well as the pilot and co-pilot, both Peruvian.

For reasons still being investigated by local authorities, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude during flight, impacting the ground before reaching its destination. An investigation has been opened into the exact circumstances of the tragic crash.