All 13 people aboard a tourist aircraft were killed on Saturday after the plane crashed near the southern Peruvian city of Nazca during a sightseeing flight over the world-famous Nazca Lines, local authorities said.

The aircraft, operated by Peruvian airline AeroDiana, was carrying 11 passengers and two pilots when it went down shortly after taking off from the nearby city of Ica. Emergency responders were dispatched to the crash site, but there were no survivors.

Authorities said the cause of the crash remains unknown, and an official investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft's wreckage, flight records, weather conditions, maintenance history, and other relevant factors.

AeroDiana had not issued a public statement regarding the crash at the time of publication.

Officials also said they were still working to identify the victims, with no immediate details released regarding their identities, nationalities, or backgrounds.

The crash occurred near the Nazca Lines, one of Peru's most iconic archaeological treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vast collection of ancient geoglyphs, etched into the desert more than a millennium ago, features hundreds of giant figures depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes that are best viewed from the air.

Sightseeing flights over the Nazca Lines are among Peru's most popular tourist attractions, drawing approximately 100,000 visitors each year. Small aircraft routinely transport tourists over the sprawling desert landscape, offering panoramic views of the massive designs that have fascinated archaeologists and travelers for decades.

The fatal accident has renewed concerns about the safety of tourist aviation in the region, where light aircraft are widely used for aerial excursions over archaeological sites and other scenic destinations.

Peruvian aviation authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation progresses. The findings will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash and whether any operational, mechanical, or environmental factors contributed to the tragedy. (ILKHA)