A small passenger plane carrying 15 people — including Colombian lawmaker Diógenes Quintero and a fellow political leader — crashed on January 28, 2026 in a remote, mountainous area of Norte de Santander near the Venezuelan border. There were no survivors among the 13 passengers and 2 crew members.
The aircraft, a state-operated Satena Beechcraft 1900D, vanished from radar shortly after departing Cúcuta en route to Ocaña, and its wreckage was later found in rugged terrain where bad weather and difficult access made searches challenging.
Quintero, 36, was a respected representative for the Catatumbo region and known for his engagement with community and peace efforts, while among the other victims was Carlos Salcedo, who was campaigning as a congressional candidate.
Leaders, including President Gustavo Petro, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the grieving families as investigations begin into the cause of the accident.
