A tragic incident occurred as a plane carrying multiple passengers, including a Colombian congressman, crashed, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.

The aircraft, operated by Satena airline, experienced a communication failure while flying between the Cúcuta and Ocaña municipalities in Colombia. The flight had a total of 13 passengers and two crew members.

According to radar data, the plane’s last known location was in the area between Hacarí and La Playa de Belén municipalities within the Catatumbo region.

Among the casualties was Diógenes Quintero, a member of Colombia’s national legislature representing the “special peace constituencies” since 2022. This position was established under the 2016 peace accords with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control 11 minutes before its scheduled landing time in Ocaña, near the Venezuelan border. The expected arrival time was 12:05 local time on January 28.

Images of the wreckage have surfaced on social media, showcasing the devastation caused by the crash.

Satena released a statement expressing deep condolences to the families of the passengers and crew members who lost their lives in the tragic accident. The airline has pledged to provide all necessary resources for humanitarian aid and to investigate the incident.

Authorities have confirmed the crash with no survivors reported. Families of the victims have been advised to contact Satena for further information.

The search and rescue operation in Ocaña involves Mayor Emilio Cañizares Plata, Secretary of Government Hugo Guerrero, and Airport Manager Albeiro Páez.

The Satena airline is working closely with the Colombian Aerospace Force Command and Control Centre, as well as the Civil Aeronautics Technical and Accident Investigation Directorate to investigate the crash involving the smaller Beechcraft 1900 aircraft with registration HK-4709.

Maria Fernanda Rojas, Colombia’s Minister of Transport, mentioned that the Directorate of Accident Investigation is actively gathering information regarding the tragic incident.