A tragic plane crash in rural Norte de Santander province, northeast Colombia, claimed the lives of all 15 individuals on board, including notable politician Diógenes Quintero. The incident occurred on March 6, 2024, shortly after the small aircraft took off from Cúcuta and was en route to Ocaña.
The flight, operated by the state-owned airline Satena, departed at 11:42 a.m. local time. According to a statement from local officials in the community of Curasica, the plane went down shortly after takeoff, leading to a swift notification to emergency responders. A rescue team was dispatched to the crash site to assess the situation. However, Colombia’s Transportation Ministry later confirmed that there were no survivors once the aircraft was located.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash, but an investigation is underway. The aircraft, identified by the registration number HK4709, lost contact with air traffic control minutes after takeoff, according to information released by Satena.
Among the deceased were two crew members and 13 passengers, including Diógenes Quintero, a 36-year-old member of the House of Representatives for Catatumbo. Quintero was recognized as a prominent human rights defender in the region, which borders Venezuela. Elected in 2022, he represented the interests of over 9 million victims of Colombia’s longstanding armed conflict, a position created as part of a landmark peace agreement with the FARC guerrilla group.
Also lost in the tragedy was Carlos Salcedo, a social leader who was campaigning for a congressional seat. Quintero’s political party, the U Party, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, highlighting his commitment to serving his community.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences, stating, “I am deeply saddened by these deaths. My heartfelt condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.” The impact of this tragedy resonates not only within the political sphere but also among those advocating for human rights in the region.
As the investigation progresses, the country mourns the loss of these individuals who played significant roles in addressing the challenges of their communities.
