15 Feared Lost as Small Plane Goes Down Near Colombia–Venezuela Border, Lawmaker and Poll Candidate Onboard

A short domestic flight in Colombia ended in tragedy on Wednesday when a small passenger aircraft crashed in a remote mountainous area near the Venezuelan border, leaving no survivors among the 15 people on board. The incident has shocked the country, especially as it claimed the lives of a sitting lawmaker and a political candidate.

The aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900 operated by Colombia’s state-run airline Satena, was flying from the city of Cúcuta to Ocaña, a route that usually takes less than an hour. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lost communication with air traffic control. Hours later, local residents in a rural area of Norte de Santander province reported spotting wreckage in the hills near the small community of Curasica.

Emergency teams were rushed to the location, but the difficult terrain slowed access. Authorities later confirmed that all 15 occupants — two crew members and 13 passengers — had passed away in the crash.

Among the passengers was Diogenes Quintero, a member of Colombia’s House of Representatives, known for his work representing victims of the country’s long-running internal conflict. Also on board was Carlos Salcedo, a candidate preparing to contest upcoming congressional elections. The loss of both figures has added a strong political and emotional impact to the tragedy.

Quintero’s colleagues described him as a committed public servant and a strong voice for human rights, particularly in the conflict-affected Catatumbo region. His political party released a statement praising his dedication to the people of his region. Messages of grief also poured in from President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez, who expressed condolences to the families and said the nation shares their sorrow.