An aircraft operated by the Colombian military crashed after takeoff, carrying a total of 125 individuals. The Colombian Air Force confirmed that this included 114 passengers and 11 crew members. The officials say, at least 80 troops are believed to be dead. Investigations into the crash’s cause are currently underway.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez provided information stating that the Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 aircraft took off from Puerto Leguizamo, located near the country’s southern border with Peru, while transporting military personnel. Military units have been dispatched to the crash site; however, the number of casualties and specific reasons for the incident have yet to be determined.

In response to the tragedy, Sanchez expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as a distressing event for the nation. Colombian President Gustavo Petro also addressed the public, expressing hope that there would be no loss of life in what he termed a horrifying accident. He emphasised the importance of accountability, stating that if officials fail in their duties, they should be removed from their positions.

Location and Circumstances

Reports indicate that the aircraft went down approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) from an urban area. Colombian radio station Blu Radio was among the first to report the specifics of the incident, highlighting its proximity to populated regions.

The Colombian military’s acquisition of Hercules C-130 aircraft dates back to the late 1960s, with newer models procured from the United States over recent years to modernize the fleet. The C-130 has been a crucial part of military operations in the region for decades.

Previous Incidents

This crash follows a separate incident involving another Hercules C-130, this one belonging to the Bolivian Air Force, which occurred last month in El Alto. That crash resulted in more than 20 fatalities, and approximately 30 individuals were reported injured as the aircraft narrowly avoided crashing into a residential building.

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