A small plane crash on March 6, 2024, in the Norte de Santander department of northeast Colombia resulted in the deaths of all 15 individuals on board. Among those lost was local lawmaker Diógenes Quintero, a prominent figure advocating for victims of the country’s prolonged internal conflict.
The aircraft, operated by the state-owned airline Satena, took off from Cúcuta at 11:42 a.m. local time. It was en route to Ocaña, a municipality known for its mountainous terrain. The flight, which typically lasts around 40 minutes, lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. Local officials in the community of Curasica alerted authorities to the crash site, leading to the deployment of a rescue team.
Upon reaching the wreckage, officials from Colombia’s Transportation Ministry confirmed there were no survivors. The plane, identified by its registration number HK4709, was carrying two crew members and 13 passengers, including Quintero and several members of his team. Among the passengers was Carlos Salcedo, a candidate in the upcoming congressional elections.
Quintero was known as a dedicated human rights defender in the border region with Venezuela. He was elected in 2022 as one of 16 representatives created under a peace agreement aimed at addressing the needs of more than 9 million victims of Colombia’s protracted armed conflict. His party, the U Party, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, highlighting his commitment to serving his community.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Quintero’s team mourned his loss, saying, “Today, life took two of this team’s members: Diógenes Quintero, a man who dedicated his life to serving those most in need, and Natalia Acosta, who always looked after the entire team and filled every space with happiness.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences on the platform X, stating he was “deeply sorry for these deaths” and extending his solidarity to the victims’ families. Vice President Francia Marquez also shared her grief, calling Quintero’s death an “irreparable loss” that has plunged the entire country into mourning.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, but an investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The loss of life, particularly that of a dedicated public servant like Quintero, has resonated deeply within the community and across Colombia, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in the region.
As the nation reflects on this tragedy, the impact of Quintero’s work and the lives affected by the crash remain at the forefront of public discourse.
