66 Killed in Military Plane Crash in Colombia

A tragic military aviation disaster struck Colombia on Monday when a military aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the town of Puerto Leguízamo. The incident has resulted in the deaths of at least 66 people, making it one of the deadliest recent air accidents in the region.

According to Colombian authorities, the aircraft went down just minutes after departing, leaving little time for any emergency response. The crash occurred near the airport, approximately two kilometers from the runway, causing widespread devastation at the site.

General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto, chief of Colombia’s armed forces, confirmed the casualties and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He stated that 66 military personnel lost their lives in the tragic accident, calling it a heartbreaking moment for the nation.

In addition to the confirmed deaths, four military personnel have been reported missing. Search and rescue operations are currently underway as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing individuals and assess the full scale of the disaster.

The aircraft was carrying a total of 121 people on board, including 110 soldiers and 11 crew members. The flight was reportedly transporting military personnel to another city within the Putumayo province.

Earlier, Puerto Leguízamo’s deputy mayor, Carlos Cleros, shared a video on social media providing initial updates. He confirmed that the bodies of the victims had been transferred to the morgue, while injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez also addressed the situation on social media platform X, stating that the soldiers were being relocated as part of a routine military movement. He assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary support.

Images released by Colombian media showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site, indicating the severity of the impact. Emergency teams were seen working tirelessly amid the wreckage to control the situation and recover victims.

The Colombian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Hercules C-130, a widely used military transport plane. However, officials have stated that the exact cause of the crash remains unknown at this stage.

Air Force Commander Carlos Fernando Silva said that preliminary information suggests the aircraft experienced a technical issue shortly after takeoff. A full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future.