Colombia Government Plane Crashes in Andes, 15 Killed Including MP

The news of the plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, has barely subsided when news of another tragic plane crash has emerged. This time, it occurred in Colombia, where a government plane crashed on Wednesday, January 28, killing 15 people, including a Member of Parliament.
Contact Lost Minutes After Takeoff
According to Colombian aviation officials, the twin-engine propeller plane took off from the capital city of Cucuta and was headed for Ocana. Approximately 12 minutes into the flight, the plane lost contact with air traffic control, prompting a search operation.
Debris Found After Hours of Search
After a lengthy search, the Colombian Air Force located the wreckage of the plane in the rural area of Playa de Belen. The crash site is reported to be extremely remote and mountainous, posing difficulties in rescue and relief operations.
Several prominent figures, including a Member of Parliament, died in the crash.
The plane crash also killed 36-year-old Diogenes Quintero, a member of the Colombian Parliament representing the Catatumbo region. This region has long been known for conflict and coca cultivation.
Carlos Salcedo, a candidate for the upcoming elections, also lost his life.
Did difficult terrain and weather contribute to the crash?
The location of the plane crash is located in the rugged Andes Mountains. This area is considered to be under the influence of the National Liberation Army (ELN). Preliminary investigations suggest that bad weather, a sudden change in climate, and a technical malfunction are possible causes of the crash.
President Expresses Deep Condolences
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his deep condolences over the accident via social media. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that the government stands with the families of the victims. Aviation agencies are currently conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash.
Recent plane crashes raise concerns
It is noteworthy that recent plane crashes have occurred in various parts of the world, raising serious questions about the safety of air travel.
