A small plane crash in the rural area of Norte de Santander province, northeast Colombia, resulted in the tragic loss of all 15 individuals on board, including prominent politician Diógenes Quintero. The incident occurred on March 13, 2024, when the aircraft, operated by the state-owned airline Satena, went down shortly after taking off from Cúcuta, en route to Ocaña.
According to local authorities, the plane took off at 11:42 a.m. local time. It was on a flight typically lasting about 40 minutes when it lost contact with air traffic control just minutes after departure. Local officials in the community of Curasica alerted authorities about the crash site, prompting a rescue team to be deployed to assess the situation. Unfortunately, Colombia’s Transportation Ministry later confirmed that there were no survivors.
The aircraft, registered as HK4709, was carrying two crew members and 13 passengers, among them Diógenes Quintero, a 36-year-old member of the House of Representatives representing Catatumbo. Quintero was known for his advocacy of human rights in the border region with Venezuela, which is where the accident occurred. He was elected in 2022 as part of a special arrangement to represent the victims of Colombia’s long-standing armed conflict, a provision established by a landmark peace agreement reached in 2016 with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
Also on board was Carlos Salcedo, a social leader who was campaigning for a congressional seat. The U Party, to which Quintero belonged, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating he was “a leader committed to his region, with a firm vocation for service.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to social media to express his condolences, saying, “I am deeply saddened by these deaths. My heartfelt condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.”
While the cause of the crash remains unclear, authorities have announced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. The loss of these individuals has left a significant impact on their communities, especially considering Quintero’s role as a voice for the marginalized in a region still healing from the scars of conflict.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation mourns the loss of lives that were dedicated to public service and advocacy, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in Colombia’s journey toward peace and stability.
