Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives in Northeast Colombia

A devastating plane crash occurred this Wednesday in the mountainous region of northeastern Colombia, leading to the tragic loss of all 15 people on board. This incident involved a Beechcraft 1900 aircraft, which had been reported missing hours earlier by the national airline and aviation authorities.

Details of the Incident

The ill-fated flight was traveling between Cúcuta and Ocaña in Norte de Santander province, close to the Venezuelan border. Authorities confirmed the aircraft’s wreckage was located in a mountainous area within the municipality of Playa de Belén, as reported by the airline. A team was dispatched promptly to the crash site.

Notable Passengers

Onboard the aircraft was Congressman Diógenes Quintero, who was also a candidate for the March legislative elections representing the Partido de la U. The loss of the 36-year-old politician has deeply affected the nation. Other passengers included:

• Carlos Salcedo, also a candidate for the Chamber of Representatives
• Natalia Acosta, assistant to Congressman Quintero
• Juan David Pacheco, former councilman of Ocaña and his wife, Maira Sánchez

The flight was piloted by Miguel Vanegas, along with co-pilot José de la Vega.

Official Responses

Maria Fernanda Rojas, Colombia’s Minister of Transport, expressed the country’s mourning in a statement: “Today, our nation grieves. We extend our sincere condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims. From the onset, we have acted with the full capacity of the state and will continue to support them during this painful time.”

Additionally, Luis Alfonso Martínez, director of Aeronáutica Civil, announced that a technical investigation would be initiated to determine the cause of the crash. The area where the wreckage was found, known as Catatumbo, has significant activity from illegal armed groups, including the ELN guerrilla and dissident factions of the FARC.

About Diógenes Quintero

Diógenes Quintero was elected in 2022 at the age of 32 to one of the special peace seats in the Chamber of Representatives, designed to give a voice to regions profoundly impacted by internal conflict, following the peace agreement with the FARC in 2016. A prominent social leader from Hacarí, Quintero was a lawyer and had served as the town’s ombudsman.

His political journey was not without peril; in 2018, he faced gunfire when armed groups attacked his home, forcing him to abandon his mayoral campaign and leave his community. Following news of his death, the Organization of American States’ Support Mission for the Peace Process recognized his commitment to achieving lasting peace in Catatumbo.

Colleagues described him as a dedicated public servant and a vital force for change within the region. Quintero was seeking re-election, this time to represent the entire Norte de Santander department rather than holding a special peace seat.

Community Mourning

The Partido de la U expressed profound sorrow over the loss, stating that Quintero was a committed leader with a strong dedication to his constituents. Carlos Salcedo, also a casualty in this accident, was aiming to take Quintero’s place in the special peace seat.

Government Support Initiatives

During a press conference, Minister Rojas stated that a team of aviation safety officials had been deployed to the crash site. There were confirmed to be 13 passengers and 2 crew members aboard the plane. She added that appropriate emergency protocols had been activated.

Minutes following the accident, Satena, the airline involved, provided initial information about the flight. The aircraft took off from Camilo Daza International Airport in Cúcuta at approximately 11:42 a.m., with an expected landing time around 12:05 p.m. The last communication with air traffic control was made at 11:54 a.m.

The aircraft, registered as HK4709, was operated by SEARCA. Satena highlighted their collaboration with Colombian Air Force’s Command and Control Center to locate the downed plane efficiently.

Minister of the Interior Armando Benedetti conveyed his condolences to the families of all individuals on board the Satena flight, emphasizing the tragedy of their loss.

Conclusion

This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities present in air travel, as well as the persistent challenges faced in regions marked by conflict. The community mourns the loss of dedicated leaders who were striving for progress and peace.

Key Takeaways

• A plane crash in northeastern Colombia resulted in the deaths of all 15 occupants.
• Prominent figures aboard included Congressman Diógenes Quintero and candidate Carlos Salcedo.
• The Colombian government has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash.
• The airplane was a Beechcraft 1900 traveling between Cúcuta and Ocaña.