Authorities confirmed that at least 10 people died after a small aircraft crashed in northwestern Colombia on Wednesday. The plane, operated by Pacifica Travel, was reported missing after it took off from Jurado and was en route to Medellín. The crash occurred in a rural area of Urrao, a municipality in the Antioquia department, located in the northwest of Colombia.
Crash Details and Search Operations
The aircraft had two crew members and eight passengers onboard when it crashed. Unfortunately, no survivors were found at the scene. Carlos Rios Puerta, director of Antioquia’s risk management department, reported that the recovery efforts are ongoing with 37 personnel working at the crash site. The operation faces significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions, making it difficult to use helicopters for recovery. As a result, all operations are being conducted on the ground.
Rios Puerta assured the public that authorities are working diligently to recover the bodies and coordinate with judicial police for further investigation. Pacifica Travel has released a statement expressing its sorrow and commitment to supporting the families of the victims.
Government and Aviation Authorities Respond
The Colombian transport ministry and the civil aviation authority have also extended condolences to the victims’ families. Many of the grieving relatives have gathered at Medellín airport, awaiting news of their loved ones. The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Helicopter Crash in Antioquia
In another aviation incident in Colombia, a Mi-17 transport helicopter from the Colombian Aerospace Force also crashed earlier in the week. The helicopter lost control during a training exercise in Anorí, Antioquia, injuring five soldiers and two civilians. The incident highlights ongoing challenges to aviation safety in the region.
Authorities continue to investigate both crashes as they work to improve aviation safety standards.
