Tragic Plane Crash in Colombia Claims 15 Lives, Including Lawmaker

A tragic plane crash occurred in northeast Colombia on Wednesday, leading to the loss of all 15 individuals aboard, which included a local legislator and a candidate for the upcoming congressional elections, authorities reported.

The ill-fated aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900 twin-engine turboprop, took off just before noon from Cucuta, headed for Ocana on what was intended to be a brief domestic flight. However, air traffic control lost contact with the plane a mere 12 minutes post-departure.

Officials noted that the plane's emergency locator beacon failed to activate, and no distress call was received prior to the breakdown in communication. The specific cause of the crash remains unclear, prompting an ongoing investigation to elucidate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Among the deceased was local legislator Diogenes Quintero, who was traveling with political associates. Additionally, congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo, who was preparing for the elections set for March, was also confirmed as a victim. The airline later published the official passenger list to affirm their presence on the flight.

Local media circulated images from the crash site revealing extensive destruction, with the wreckage showing significant damage and fragmentation upon impact.

The incident took place in a secluded, mountainous area known for coca cultivation, which is associated with the cocaine trade. This region is also home to various illegal armed groups, complicating access and emergency response efforts historically.

Rescue and recovery operations have been initiated, with teams heading to the site as authorities work to recover the victims and gather evidence to understand the tragic crash better.