At least 66 people have been confirmed dead after a Colombian military transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the country’s southern region on Monday, authorities said.
The aircraft, a C-130 Hercules operated by the Colombian Air Force, was carrying 125 personnel, including soldiers and crew members, when it went down near Puerto Leguizamo, close to the borders with Ecuador and Peru.
According to Colombian military sources, the death toll includes 58 soldiers, six Air Force personnel, and two police officers. Dozens of others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment as emergency teams continue evacuation efforts in the remote area.
Initial reports had placed the number of fatalities at 33, but officials later confirmed a significantly higher toll as rescue operations progressed.
Colombia’s Defence Minister, Pedro Sanchez, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a national tragedy. He noted that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
“It is a deeply painful event for the country. May our prayers bring some measure of comfort,” he said.
Also reacting, President Gustavo Petro described the incident as a “horrific accident” and stressed the need to modernise the country’s military equipment. However, he did not directly link the crash to the aircraft’s condition.
The plane reportedly departed from Puerto Leguizamo en route to a nearby Amazon outpost when it encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff, crashing into a jungle area and bursting into flames.
Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud explosion before the aircraft descended rapidly.
Images from the crash site showed thick black smoke rising above the forest, with burning debris scattered across the area. Civilians were also seen near parts of the wreckage as emergency responders worked to secure the scene.
Governor of Putumayo region, Jhon Gabriel Molina, said rescue efforts have been hampered by the difficult terrain and limited infrastructure, noting that the airport in the area is small and poses logistical challenges.
The crash occurred in a region that has seen heightened military operations in recent weeks, as Colombian and Ecuadorian forces intensify efforts against drug trafficking groups and armed militias.
This incident marks the second crash involving a C-130 Hercules aircraft in South America within a month. In February, a Bolivian military cargo plane went down near La Paz, killing at least 24 people.
The C-130 Hercules, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is widely used by military forces globally due to its ability to operate in rugged and remote environments.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the crash.
