Scores killed as Colombian military plane crashes on takeoff
Colombian Military Plane Crash Claims 64 Lives, Injures Dozens
A Colombian military transport plane crashed during takeoff in the southern region, resulting in at least 64 fatalities and numerous injuries, reported Governor Jhon Gabriel Molina of the area. The C-130 Hercules aircraft disintegrated upon impact and ignited flames shortly after crashing near Puerto Leguízamo, a town in the Putumayo region bordering Peru. Molina stated that 114 individuals were aboard, comprising 112 army personnel and two police officers, alongside 11 crew members.
Investigation Into Crash Cause Ongoing
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez noted that the crash’s origin remains unclear. He emphasized there is no evidence pointing to a criminal attack, adding that the plane was in operational condition and the crew was properly trained. A CNN geolocated video captures the aircraft departing Caucaya Airport and traversing a rural landscape moments before the incident. The footage suggests the crash occurred within less than two miles of the departure point.
“This tragedy should never have happened,” Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated, criticizing the armed forces’ outdated equipment and attributing it to bureaucratic obstacles.
Aircraft Background and Previous Incidents
The crashed plane was a C-130H Hercules, a model from the C-130 series introduced in March 1965, as per Lockheed Martin. It was donated to the Colombian Air Force by the U.S. Air Force in September 2020. Despite its rugged design for remote and challenging environments, the C-130 remains a staple in military operations. This incident marks another fatal crash in Colombia’s recent aviation history, following a similar event near Cúcuta in late January where all 114 passengers perished, including Congressman Diógenes Quintero.
“Several survivors were transported to a local hospital,” shared Nicolas Ordoñez, an indigenous ranger participating in rescue efforts in Leguízamo. “Injured soldiers were later evacuated to Bogotá for treatment.”
The story has been updated, with contributions from CNN reporters Stefano Pozzebon, Avery Schmitz, and Ivonne Valdés.