Plane Crashes in Colombia, Killing All 15 on Board
A tragic plane crash in northern Colombia has claimed the lives of all 15 individuals aboard, as confirmed by the state-run airline, Satena. The aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900, “suffered a fatal accident,” although further specifics have not been provided. The wreckage has been located in a mountainous region of North Santander.
Details of the Flight and Investigation
– Flight Information: The flight, designated NSE 8849, took off from Cúcuta, approximately 100 km (62 miles) north-east of Ocaña, and was scheduled to land at 12:05 local time (17:05 GMT) on Wednesday. Contact with the plane was lost just 11 minutes prior to landing.
– Passenger List: Among the deceased were prominent figures, including lawmaker Diógenes Quintero Amaya and Carlos Salcedo, a candidate in the upcoming congressional elections.
– Search Operations: A search operation is currently underway, supported by Colombia’s armed forces. The search area includes regions controlled by the ELN guerrilla group. As part of the emergency response, a hotline has been established for the relatives of the victims.
– Recovery Efforts: Governor of Norte de Santander, William Villamizar, reported that seven bodies have already been recovered from the crash site.
Community Support and Condolences
– Official Response: Colombian President Gustavo Petro extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims via X, expressing his deep sorrow for the lives lost.
– Tributes: A statement on Quintero’s Facebook page commemorated him as “a man who throughout his life served those who needed it most.” Quintero was a representative for victims of conflict, filling one of the 16 allocated seats in Colombia’s parliament for this purpose.
The plane crash in Colombia serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with aviation travel, particularly in challenging terrains. The thorough search and recovery efforts are ongoing, highlighting the urgency of the situation for the families affected. As the investigation unfolds, more details will hopefully shed light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.