The Fokker F-28 crashed Thursday as it approached a small airport in the mountain town of Chachapoyas, 650 kilometers north of Lima.
"Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed directly into ... Cerro Coloque at an altitude of 2,300 meters. The impact disintegrated the plane," Transport Minister Javier Reategui told reporters at the Chachapoyas airport.
He added that the wreckage and the remains of those on board were spread over a 400-meter radius. Two flight recorders, which could hold the key to the cause of the accident, had been recovered, he said.
Heavy rains and thick fog had hindered search operations in the remote area, but the weather improved early Saturday and helicopters were able to head to an area where locals said they had seen a low-flying airplane and heard an explosion.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.