check this link, there are some pictures of the crash site and the departure procedure out of the high terrain areas.
http://www.centrocas.com/YV1449RH1.asp
Merida is a VFR airport, the rwy has 4% gradient, the landing is made north and the takeoff to south.
The accident is still under investigation, it is been speculated by locals that due to the good weather at the moment, the turn to the north east was made few miles earlier towars Caracas,
again it just speculation, the authorities are still searching for the CVR, FDR.
We can see in the pictures that the crash site is a very steep area.
Our thoughts are with them.
Regards