A twin-propeller aircraft carrying 15 people, including Colombian lawmaker Diogenes Quintero, crashed in a mountainous region near the Venezuelan border on January 28, authorities confirmed. The plane, which departed from the border city of Cúcuta, lost contact with air traffic control shortly before it was scheduled to land in the nearby town of Ocaña at around 5:00 p.m. GMT, sparking immediate concerns about the fate of those on board.
An official from Colombia’s aviation authority confirmed to AFP that there were no survivors. “There are no survivors,” the official stated, underscoring the tragic outcome of the accident. The aircraft was carrying 13 passengers and two crew members, all of whom perished in the crash. The identities of the other passengers beyond Quintero and fellow political figure Carlos Salcedo have not yet been publicly released.
The Cúcuta region, where the aircraft took off, is known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, both of which pose significant challenges to aviation. The area is also marked by zones controlled by Colombia’s largest guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), complicating rescue and recovery efforts. The combination of mountainous geography, dense forests, and potential security risks has historically made this corridor particularly treacherous for air travel.
According to NDTV, the Colombian government swiftly deployed the Air Force to the crash site to locate the aircraft and recover the bodies of the victims. Air Force personnel, assisted by ground teams, are navigating the difficult terrain to reach the wreckage. Officials have stressed that search and recovery operations are ongoing, with safety as the top priority for responders operating in the challenging conditions.
Local parliamentarian Wilmer Carrillo expressed profound concern over the tragedy, noting the impact on both the victims’ families and the political community. “We have received with concern the information about the air accident in which my colleague, Diogenes Quintero, Carlos Salcedo and their teams were travelling,” Carrillo said. He called for support and prayers for the families affected by the incident.
Diogenes Quintero served as a member of Colombia’s Chamber of Deputies, representing his constituency and playing an active role in national legislative matters. Carlos Salcedo, who was also on board, is a candidate in the upcoming elections, making the crash a significant loss to the political landscape. Both figures were widely respected and had strong ties within their respective communities.
The incident adds to Colombia’s history of fatal aviation accidents involving prominent public figures. In January 2025, a private plane crashed in central-eastern Colombia, killing all six people on board, including the singer Yeison Jiménez. Such accidents have underscored longstanding concerns about aviation safety, particularly for small aircraft navigating difficult terrain and regions prone to adverse weather.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the causes of the crash are underway, though early reports suggest that weather and geographic factors may have contributed. Aviation experts caution that mountainous regions like the area near the Venezuelan border can generate sudden wind currents and limited visibility, which increase the risks of flying, especially for smaller aircraft.
The Colombian government has reiterated its commitment to providing support to the victims’ families. In addition to Air Force recovery operations, officials are coordinating with local authorities to ensure that families are informed promptly and receive necessary assistance. Security measures are also being implemented to secure the crash site and facilitate investigations.
As search and recovery efforts continue, the nation mourns the loss of 15 individuals, including two prominent figures whose deaths leave a void in Colombia’s political and social landscape. Authorities have urged caution against speculation while investigations are ongoing, highlighting the need for an accurate and thorough assessment of the factors that led to this tragic accident.