Tragedy in Colombia: the five occupants of the plane found dead

Air tragedy in Colombia: Death of the five occupants of the crashed light aircraft confirmed

After intense search efforts, Colombian authorities confirmed this Wednesday the discovery of the lifeless bodies of the five occupants of the Cessna T-206 aircraft, which crashed last Sunday in a wooded area between the departments of Chocó and Risaralda. The news was officially communicated by President Abelardo de la Espriella, who deeply regretted the event.

The aircraft, identified with registration number HK-4985, had taken off from the municipality of Condoto, in Chocó, bound for Guaymaral airport, in Bogotá. The last recorded contact with air traffic control services occurred at 9:23 local time, at which point the light aircraft was flying over a region of difficult geographical access.

Humanitarian work in mourning

The occupants of the light aircraft were in Chocó carrying out a social mission. According to official reports, the group had participated for several days in a health brigade, providing specialized care to the inhabitants of Condoto and various surrounding towns, demonstrating the commitment of the health personnel to the most remote populations of the country.

With deep regret and sadness, I confirm to the country the discovery of the Cessna T206 aircraft, registration HK-4985, which crashed while covering the route between Condoto, Chocó, and Guaymaral, in Bogotá. I join you in your mourning with deep respect and offer my prayers to the Almighty to pour upon your homes comfort, serenity, and strength to endure such an irreparable loss.

Complex rescue operations

The Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC) deployed a specialized combat search and rescue team to access the aircraft wreckage. Due to the terrain conditions, characterized by a steep slope, the recovery efforts presented significant technical challenges.

• Rescue personnel had to be inserted via cranes, as terrain conditions prevented helicopter landings.
• The teams were equipped with supplies and communication technology to operate autonomously in the wooded area for several days.
• The Colombian Medical College joined in the condolences, highlighting the humanitarian work of the deceased.

General Luis Miguel Díaz, commander of Air Combat Command Number 5, detailed that the high angle of incidence of the terrain forced the execution of precision maneuvers to ensure rescuers could reach the impact site. Authorities are continuing with the rigorous protocols following the tragic discovery.