A small passenger aircraft crash in northeastern Colombia has claimed the lives of 15 people, including Congressman Diógenes Quintero, in one of the country’s deadliest aviation incidents in recent months.
The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Camilo Daza Airport in Cúcuta, according to Colombia’s Civil Aeronautics Authority, which confirmed that the plane was carrying 13 passengers and two crew members. Emergency responders deployed to the crash site reported no survivors, with wreckage scattered across rugged terrain, complicating rescue and recovery operations.
Authorities said the flight was operating on a domestic route when it lost contact with air traffic control moments after departure. Investigators are examining possible causes, including mechanical failure, weather conditions, pilot error, and technical malfunctions. Black box recovery efforts are underway as part of the formal accident investigation.
Among the deceased was Diógenes Quintero, a lawmaker elected to Colombia’s Congress in 2022. Quintero represented one of the country’s special peace constituencies, a category of parliamentary seats created under the 2016 peace agreement to amplify the voices of communities affected by decades of armed conflict.
Political leaders, government officials, and civil society groups have expressed condolences, describing Quintero as a strong advocate for peace-building, victims’ rights, and regional development. Flags were lowered in some public institutions in tribute to the victims of the crash.
The Colombian government has pledged a full and transparent investigation, while aviation safety authorities continue to assess the broader safety implications for regional air travel.
