New Delhi, Jan 29: A commercial plane operated by Satena Airlines crashed in the Norte de Santander region, near the border between Colombia and Venezuela, on Wednesday. The plane was en route from Cucuta to Ocana when the crash occurred minutes after takeoff.
The plane that crashed was a Beechcraft 1900D, carrying 13 passengers and two crew members, government and airline officials confirmed. The dead included a sitting member of parliament and a legislative candidate running in the upcoming elections.
Sudden loss of contact with ATC
The plane was scheduled to depart from the city of Cucuta in Colombia’s Norte de Santander region and arrive in Ocana in the afternoon. However, shortly before landing, the plane suddenly lost contact with air traffic control. After a prolonged lack of contact, authorities immediately launched a search operation. Later, when the wreckage of the plane was found, authorities confirmed that everyone on board was dead. There were 13 passengers and two crew members on board. The plane was called Satena Flight 8895.
Who was on board?
Diogenes Quintero, a member of the Colombian Chamber of Deputies, and Carlos Salcedo, an election candidate, also died in the tragic crash. Both were traveling with their respective political party teams. News of the incident has caused mourning in political circles. Local lawmaker Wilmer Carrillo called it a “tragic accident” and appealed for calm. He said initial relief and rescue operations were now focused on recovering and identifying bodies.
The crash site is in a remote and mountainous area near the Venezuelan border. The area is covered in dense forest and is prone to rapid weather changes. The search and rescue operation has been significantly hampered. These factors have led to delays in reaching the wreckage, officials said. No official information has been released about the cause of the plane crash. Relevant agencies are continuing to investigate the matter.