Summary
- At least 66 people killed after a Colombian military plane crashed during takeoff.
- The aircraft was carrying over 100 personnel, including troops and crew.
- Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the crash.
NAIROBI, Kenya- At least 66 people have been killed after a military aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in southern Colombia, in one of the deadliest air force disasters in recent years.
The plane went down near Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo province, close to the Peru border, triggering a massive rescue and recovery operation.
Troop transport plane crashes moments after takeoff
According to Colombian officials, the aircraft was carrying 114 army personnel and 11 crew members when it crashed.
The plane, a US-made Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, was being used to transport troops at the time of the incident.
Pedro Sánchez described the crash as a “tragic accident” that occurred during takeoff.
Authorities later confirmed that ammunition onboard detonated following a fire, worsening the impact of the crash.
Rescue efforts underway as casualties confirmed
Emergency teams were quickly deployed to the crash site, where they searched through wreckage for survivors.
Local footage showed thick smoke rising from the area, with injured victims reportedly transported to hospitals using any available means, including motorbikes.
Military sources confirmed that those killed included soldiers, air force personnel, and police officers.
The disaster is now being described as one of the worst aviation tragedies involving Colombia’s military.
President Petro blames delays in military upgrades
Gustavo Petro expressed grief over the incident, calling it a “horrendous accident” that should not have happened.
In a statement, he pointed to bureaucratic delays that have slowed efforts to modernise military equipment and aircraft.
“I will allow no further delays, the lives of our young people are at stake,” he said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
