Colombia: 15 killed, including MP, Congress candidate, in Northeast plane crash

BOGOTÁ, Jan. 29 (YPA) – Colombian authorities confirmed on Wednesday evening that there were no survivors following the crash of a passenger plane in the northeast of the country, stating that all 15 people on board were killed, including Member of Parliament Diógenes Quintero.

The state-owned airline, Satena, reported that the Beechcraft 1900 twin-turboprop lost contact with air traffic control just 12 minutes after departing from the border city of Cúcuta, en route to Ocaña. The airline noted that the aircraft’s emergency beacon was not activated prior to the crash.

An official statement from MP Quintero’s office confirmed that both the lawmaker and his assistant were on board. Local newspaper El Tiempo also identified Carlos Salcedo, a candidate for the upcoming March Congressional elections, among the victims.

The wreckage was located in a rugged mountainous region known for severe weather volatility. The area is also a known stronghold for illegal armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents, adding significant security complications to the recovery operations.

YPA