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A small plane crashed Wednesday in a rural area of northeastern Colombia, killing all 15 people aboard, including a member of congress known for his human rights advocacy, authorities confirmed.
The aircraft operated by Satena, Colombia’s state-owned airline, went down shortly after takeoff in Norte de Santander province near the community of Curasica. Local officials alerted authorities about the crash site, prompting the immediate deployment of rescue teams.
“Once the aircraft was located on site, authorities regrettably confirmed that there were no survivors,” Colombia’s Transportation Ministry said in a statement released hours after the incident.
The plane, identified by its registration number HK4709, departed at 11:42 a.m. local time from the airport in Cúcuta, the provincial capital, and was headed for Ocaña, a municipality surrounded by mountains. The flight typically takes about 40 minutes, but the aircraft’s final communication with air traffic control came just minutes after takeoff, according to Satena officials.
Among the victims was 36-year-old Diógenes Quintero, a member of the House of Representatives for Catatumbo, and Carlos Salcedo, a social leader who was campaigning for Congress. The plane was carrying 13 passengers and two crew members when it crashed.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences on social media, writing: “I am deeply saddened by these deaths. My heartfelt condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.”
Quintero, a lawyer by profession, had earned recognition as a prominent human rights defender in the troubled Colombia-Venezuela border region, where he was born and where the accident occurred. His work took on special significance in an area known for armed conflict, drug trafficking, and humanitarian challenges.
In 2022, he was elected as one of 16 representatives to Colombia’s lower chamber designated to represent the more than 9 million victims of Colombia’s decades-long armed conflict. These special congressional seats were established as part of the historic 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the country’s largest guerrilla group at the time.
The U Party, Quintero’s political affiliation, released a statement mourning his death, describing him as “a leader committed to his region, with a firm vocation for service.”
The Norte de Santander region where the crash occurred has long been a focal point of Colombia’s complex security challenges. Bordering Venezuela, the area has been plagued by the presence of various armed groups competing for control of lucrative drug trafficking routes and illegal mining operations.
Transportation officials have not yet provided information regarding the cause of the crash but confirmed that an investigation will be conducted. Aviation accidents in Colombia’s mountainous regions occasionally occur due to challenging topography, unpredictable weather conditions, and the technical demands of navigating smaller aircraft through difficult terrain.
Satena, founded in 1962, primarily serves remote regions of Colombia that larger commercial airlines don’t reach, playing a vital role in connecting isolated communities to the country’s major cities. The airline operates a fleet that includes smaller aircraft suitable for serving airports with limited infrastructure.
This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Colombia in recent years and has prompted renewed discussions about aviation safety in the country’s challenging geographical regions. Local officials have pledged full cooperation with investigating authorities as they work to determine what caused the fatal crash.
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8 Comments
Fifteen lives lost in this crash is truly devastating. I’m curious to learn more about the specific circumstances and whether there were any warning signs or mechanical issues that could have been addressed. My heart goes out to all affected.
It’s tragic to lose a member of congress who was an advocate for human rights. I hope his legacy and work continue to be honored. My thoughts are with all the families impacted by this devastating accident.
Flying in rural Colombia can be challenging with the mountainous terrain. I’m curious to learn more about the safety record of this state-owned airline and whether there were any prior issues with this particular aircraft.
Good point. Transparency around the airline’s safety history and maintenance practices would be helpful to understand the context here.
This is a tragic incident. My condolences to the families of the victims, including the congressman known for human rights advocacy. I hope the investigation can determine the cause and prevent similar accidents in the future.
Yes, it’s heartbreaking. I wonder if the plane had any technical issues or if weather played a role. Safe air travel is so important, especially in remote areas.
This is a sobering reminder of the risks of air travel, especially in remote regions. I hope the investigation can provide answers and that steps are taken to improve safety and prevent future tragedies.
Agreed. Improving aviation infrastructure and safety protocols in rural areas is so important for connected communities.