Plane crashes near Colombian border, killing 15 people

A passenger aircraft crashed in northern Colombia on Wednesday, claiming the lives of all 15 people on board, including crew and passengers. The wreckage was found in a remote, mountainous area near the Venezuelan border, making rescue and recovery operations particularly challenging.

The country’s state-owned airline, Satena, confirmed the accident in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon (28 January local time). According to the airline, the aircraft involved was a Beechcraft 1900 twin-propeller plane. Satena described the incident as a “fatal accident” and stated that the debris had been located in a rugged, highland region, though further details were not immediately released.

The flight, NSE 8849, departed from Cúcuta, Colombia, carrying 13 passengers and two crew members. It was scheduled to land in the town of Ocaña, near the Venezuelan border, at 12:05 pm local time. However, contact with the aircraft was lost 11 minutes prior to its scheduled arrival.

Tragically, among those killed were prominent figures, including legislator Diogenes Quintero Amaya and Carlos Salcedo, a candidate in the upcoming congressional elections.

Following the loss of communication, search and rescue operations were immediately launched in the mountainous terrain. A dedicated hotline was set up to provide information to relatives of the passengers. The Colombian Armed Forces have been assisting in the recovery efforts, which are complicated by the difficult topography and rapidly changing weather conditions typical of the region.

Cúcuta and its surrounding areas are known for their steep, forested mountains. Parts of this region are also reportedly controlled by Colombia’s largest guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), adding another layer of difficulty to rescue operations.

Flight and Passenger Summary:

Authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the crash thoroughly. Satena expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who perished and confirmed that support services were being provided to the victims’ relatives.

The accident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards associated with air travel in mountainous regions, particularly where unpredictable weather and difficult terrain can severely complicate flight operations.