Colombian Aircraft Crash Claims 15 Lives, Including Lawmaker and Candidate

A small commercial aircraft carrying 15 individuals, including a sitting lawmaker and a congressional candidate, crashed in a rural area of Colombia's Norte de Santander department. All occupants on board, comprising two crew members and 13 passengers, were confirmed deceased. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

All occupants on board, comprising two crew members and 13 passengers, were confirmed deceased.

Aircraft Crash Details

The aircraft, a Satena-operated plane with registration HK4709, departed from Cúcuta at 11:42 AM local time on Wednesday, bound for Ocaña. Both cities are located in the Norte de Santander department, which borders Venezuela. The flight typically lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Air traffic control lost contact with the plane 12 minutes after take-off, 11 minutes before its anticipated arrival in Ocaña. Flight history indicated a sudden altitude drop. Local officials in Curasica were among the first to notify authorities about the crash site. Images from local media depicted significant damage to the plane's fuselage.

Casualties and Prominent Victims

All 15 individuals on board perished in the crash. Among the victims were Diógenes Quintero, a 36-year-old member of the House of Representatives for Catatumbo, and Carlos Salcedo, a social leader who was a candidate for the same congressional seat.

Quintero, elected in 2022, was a human rights defender from the border region with Venezuela. He was also one of 16 representatives designated to represent victims of Colombia's armed conflict, a position established under the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC. His party, the U Party, acknowledged his commitment to the region.

Investigation Underway

Colombia's Ministry of Transportation confirmed that an investigation into the crash is ongoing. Authorities have activated a Unified Command Post (PMU), and the accident investigation directorate of the Civil Aeronautics administration is gathering information. Officials have not yet provided a cause for the crash.

Search and rescue operations in the remote region faced challenges due to dense jungle terrain and adverse weather conditions. Local officials indicated adverse weather as a possible contributing factor.

Regional Context

The crash occurred within the Catatumbo region, characterized by dense jungle and mountainous terrain. This area is known for significant coca cultivation and the presence of illegal armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The flight route from Cúcuta to Ocaña commenced operations in June of the previous year, serving a region historically affected by poor road infrastructure.

Official Responses

Transportation Minister Maria Fernanda Rojas stated that authorities are executing necessary protocols to address the situation and provide information. Colombian President Gustavo Petro conveyed condolences via social media following the incident.