Colombian Plane Crash Kills MP, 14 Others

At least fifteen people, including a Colombian Member of Parliament, were killed on Wednesday when a government-operated plane crashed in northern Colombia. The tragic incident occurred around midday local time.

The aircraft, operated by Satena, Colombia’s state-owned airline, was en route from Cúcuta, a city near the Venezuelan border, to the nearby town of Ocaña. Onboard were thirteen passengers, including MP Diógenes Quintero, and two crew members.

According to eyewitnesses and officials from the disaster response unit, the plane crashed while attempting to land at Ocaña Airport. Representatives from Satena reported that the aircraft lost communication with the control tower shortly after entering Ocaña’s airspace. The plane initially struck the ground before bursting into flames.

Crash Details

The crash site lies in a mountainous region near Cúcuta, an area notorious for unpredictable weather conditions. The terrain, combined with the region’s limited accessibility, has complicated rescue operations. Moreover, the area along the Colombia-Venezuela border is partially controlled by the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian armed group, adding further challenges for authorities.

All thirteen passengers and two crew members are presumed dead. Rescue teams are working under challenging conditions to recover the remains and investigate the exact cause of the accident. Local authorities have emphasised that the investigation will involve both national and international aviation safety experts.

The Colombian government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the tragedy, describing it as a severe blow to the nation. MP Quintero’s death has particularly shocked political circles, with many leaders paying tribute to his public service.

Aviation analysts have noted that Colombia’s northern regions, with their mountainous terrain and rapidly shifting weather patterns, pose significant risks for domestic flights. Satena has stated that it will fully cooperate with investigators and has promised to review safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This crash marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Colombia in recent years and has sparked renewed calls for enhanced safety measures on domestic flights, particularly in areas with challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.