Bogotá: A tragic aviation accident in northeastern Colombia has resulted in the deaths of all 15 people on board a small aircraft that went down in a remote part of Norte de Santander province on Wednesday, according to official sources.
The aircraft, operated by state-run carrier Satena, disappeared from radar shortly after departing from the city of Cúcuta at 11:42 am local time. It was en route to the mountainous town of Ocaña, a journey that usually takes around 40 minutes. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane just minutes into the flight, triggering an emergency response.
Local residents in the rural community of Curasica later alerted authorities after spotting wreckage in the rugged terrain. Rescue and recovery teams were quickly dispatched to the site to search for survivors. However, Colombia’s Ministry of Transport later confirmed that all those aboard had perished in the crash.
“Once the aircraft was located, it was determined with deep regret that there were no survivors,” the ministry said in a statement, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
The plane, registered as HK4709, was carrying 13 passengers and two crew members. Among those on board was Diogenes Quintero, a prominent representative of victims of Colombia’s internal armed conflict in the region, the airline confirmed.
Investigators have begun examining the cause of the accident, with officials noting that the area’s challenging geography and weather conditions often complicate air travel. Further details are expected as authorities continue their inquiry and recovery operations.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with flying in Colombia’s mountainous regions, where small aircraft frequently serve as a vital link between isolated communities.
