Scores killed as Colombian military plane crashes on takeoff
Colombia’s Military Plane Crash Claims 64 Lives Near Puerto Leguízamo
A Colombian military transport plane crashed during takeoff in the southern region of the country, resulting in at least 64 fatalities and numerous injuries, as stated by Governor Jhon Gabriel Molina of the affected area. The C-130 Hercules aircraft disintegrated upon impact and ignited a fire shortly after descending near Puerto Leguízamo, a settlement in the Putumayo region that shares a border with Peru.
Passenger Breakdown Revealed
According to Molina, the plane carried 114 individuals, comprising 112 members of the Colombian Army, two police officers, and 11 crew members. The crash site, now engulfed in thick black smoke and flames, is under investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.
“The cause of the crash has not yet been determined,” said Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez. He emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the disaster was caused by an attack from criminal groups. “The plane was in airworthy condition, and the crew was ‘duly qualified,’” he added.
Video Evidence Captures Critical Moments
CNN’s geolocated footage displays the military plane departing from Caucaya Airport, soaring over a rural landscape just moments before the crash. The video indicates the incident occurred within less than two miles of the departure point.
Rescue Operations Begin
Nicolas Ordoñez, an indigenous ranger aiding in search and rescue efforts in Leguízamo, informed CNN that several survivors were transported to a local hospital. Some of the wounded soldiers were later evacuated to Bogotá for further medical care.
Leaders Express Condolences and Criticism
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez extended his condolences to the families of the victims. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed sorrow over the tragedy, citing the “lack of modernization” in the armed forces as a contributing factor. “This crash should never have happened,” Petro remarked.
Flight records confirm the aircraft was a C-130H Hercules, an older variant in the C-130 series that entered service in March 1965, as per manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The plane was donated to the Colombian Air Force by the US Air Force in September 2020. C-130 cargo planes are renowned for their ability to operate in remote and challenging environments.
This incident marks the latest in a series of fatal aviation accidents in Colombia this year. In late January, another aircraft crashed near Cúcuta in the northeast, nine minutes after takeoff, claiming all lives on board, including Congressman Diógenes Quintero.
