A devastating plane crash in northern Colombia has resulted in the loss of all 15 lives aboard the aircraft. The incident involved a Beechcraft 1900 operated by the state-run airline Satena, which confirmed the tragic news shortly after the accident occurred.
The aircraft was reported missing when contact was lost 11 minutes prior to its scheduled landing in Ocaña, a city situated near the Venezuelan border. The flight, designated NSE 8849, took off from Cúcuta, approximately 100 kilometers from its destination, with 13 passengers and two crew members. Among the deceased are significant political figures, including lawmaker Diógenes Quintero Amaya and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo.
Authorities located the wreckage in a mountainous region, and initial reports indicate that seven bodies have already been recovered as recovery efforts continue, assisted by Colombia's armed forces. The region is known to have areas controlled by the ELN guerrilla group, complicating the search and rescue operations.
In the wake of this tragedy, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences on social media, emphasizing the nation’s sorrow for the victims' families. Quintero, who represented victims of the armed conflict in parliament, was remembered as a dedicated public servant, a testimony to his commitment to those affected by longstanding violence in Colombia. A hotline has been established for families seeking information about their loved ones as investigations into the circumstances of the crash begin.
The aircraft was reported missing when contact was lost 11 minutes prior to its scheduled landing in Ocaña, a city situated near the Venezuelan border. The flight, designated NSE 8849, took off from Cúcuta, approximately 100 kilometers from its destination, with 13 passengers and two crew members. Among the deceased are significant political figures, including lawmaker Diógenes Quintero Amaya and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo.
Authorities located the wreckage in a mountainous region, and initial reports indicate that seven bodies have already been recovered as recovery efforts continue, assisted by Colombia's armed forces. The region is known to have areas controlled by the ELN guerrilla group, complicating the search and rescue operations.
In the wake of this tragedy, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences on social media, emphasizing the nation’s sorrow for the victims' families. Quintero, who represented victims of the armed conflict in parliament, was remembered as a dedicated public servant, a testimony to his commitment to those affected by longstanding violence in Colombia. A hotline has been established for families seeking information about their loved ones as investigations into the circumstances of the crash begin.
