Colombia: Lawmaker and Congressional Candidate Among 15 Dead in Plane Crash
Was the crash caused by a sudden altitude drop or was the remote mountainous terrain to blame?
Above: A member of Carlos Salcedo's campaign team reacts after his death in northern Colombia on Jan. 28, 2026. Image credit: Schneyder Mendoza/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Condolences and solidarity to all those who have lost friends and loved ones in this awful tragedy. May they rest in peace. A full investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances.
Narrative B
While much is still unknown about these tragic circumstances, local air traffic control sources say the plane showed a sudden drop in altitude around the time of the crash. It took place in a remote mountainous area characterized by dense jungle, and this likely had a part to play.