A tragic plane crash in the rural area of Norte de Santander province, Colombia, has resulted in the deaths of all 15 individuals on board, including prominent politician Diógenes Quintero. The incident occurred on March 15, 2023, when a small aircraft operated by the state-owned airline Satena went down shortly after taking off from Cúcuta.
The plane departed at 11:42 a.m. local time, destined for Ocaña, a municipality located amidst mountainous terrain. The flight was expected to last approximately 40 minutes. According to Satena, local officials in the community of Curasica notified authorities about the crash site, prompting the deployment of a rescue team to evaluate the conditions of the passengers.
Colombia’s Transportation Ministry later confirmed that once the aircraft was located, there were no survivors. The aircraft, registered as HK4709, had lost communication with air traffic control just minutes after takeoff.
Investigation Underway
While the cause of the crash remains undetermined, officials have stated that an investigation will be conducted to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The aircraft was carrying two crew members and 13 passengers, among them Diógenes Quintero, a 36-year-old member of the House of Representatives for the Catatumbo region. Quintero was recognized as a dedicated human rights defender in an area significantly affected by conflict and violence, particularly due to its proximity to the Venezuelan border.
Also among the deceased was Carlos Salcedo, a social leader who was in the midst of a congressional campaign. Quintero, a lawyer by trade, had been elected in 2022 as part of a historic initiative to represent the more than 9 million victims of Colombia’s enduring armed conflict. This initiative was part of the landmark peace agreement established in 2016 between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
National Mourning and Tributes
The impact of Quintero’s death reverberated across the political landscape. His party, the U Party, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing him as “a leader committed to his region, with a firm vocation for service.” Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to social media to convey his condolences, stating, “I am deeply saddened by these deaths. My heartfelt condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.”
The crash has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Colombia, particularly in regions like Catatumbo that continue to grapple with the repercussions of decades of violence. As the investigation unfolds, many will be looking for answers regarding the safety of air travel in this region and the broader implications for local governance and humanitarian efforts.
