15 dead in Colombia plane crash near Venezuela border

A small passenger plane has crashed in northeastern Colombia, killing all 15 people on board, authorities said Wednesday. 

The aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900 operated by state airline Satena, departed from Cúcuta near the Venezuelan border and lost contact with air traffic control shortly before it was due to land in Ocaña. 

Colombia’s civil aviation authority confirmed there were no survivors among the 13 passengers and two crew members. Among the dead were lawmaker Diógenes Quintero and Congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo. 

According to international press, the crash occurred in a remote, mountainous area of Norte de Santander province that is known for challenging weather conditions and the presence of armed groups. 

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the accident and have launched a formal investigation.