A tragic aviation disaster has struck Colombia after a military transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving at least 66 people dead and dozens more injured.
The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, was carrying 125 soldiers and crew members when it went down early Monday near Puerto Leguízamo, a remote town close to the borders with Ecuador and Peru.
Rising Death Toll
According to military sources, the death toll includes 58 soldiers, six air force personnel, and two police officers. Earlier reports had placed the number of fatalities at 33, but officials later confirmed a significantly higher figure as rescue operations progressed.
Local authorities say dozens of survivors sustained serious injuries and are being evacuated for treatment, though rescue efforts have been hampered by the region’s difficult terrain and limited infrastructure.
Crash in a Conflict Zone
The plane crashed in a dense jungle area that has recently seen heightened military operations targeting drug trafficking cartels and armed militias. The aircraft was reportedly en route to a military outpost deeper in the Amazon region.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene. One local farmer recounted hearing a loud explosion before seeing the aircraft flying unusually low, moments before it plunged to the ground.
Images from the crash site show burning wreckage scattered across the jungle floor, with civilians gathering near the remains of the aircraft’s tail section marked “FAC 1016.”
Government Response
Colombia’s Defense Minister, Pedro Sánchez, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a “deeply painful event” for the nation. He noted that it is still too early to determine the cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, President Gustavo Petro described the incident as a “horrific accident” and stressed the urgent need to modernize Colombia’s military equipment. However, he did not directly link the crash to the aircraft’s condition.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Early indications suggest the aircraft struggled to gain altitude shortly after takeoff, but officials have not confirmed any technical or mechanical failure.
The governor of the region warned that recovery efforts are being complicated by the small size of the local airport and the logistical challenges of operating in such a remote area.
A Pattern of Incidents
The tragedy comes less than a month after another C-130 Hercules crash in South America. In late 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 militaries worldwide due to its ability to operate in rugged conditions and on short, unprepared airstrips.
