A Hercules C-130 military aircraft crashed in Puerto Leguízamo, Colombia on Monday, resulting in 66 confirmed fatalities among the 114 people on board.
Plane Crash Details
The crash occurred on Monday morning, March 23rd. The aircraft was carrying 114 military personnel and 11 crew members. Initial reports indicated over 30 fatalities, but the confirmed death toll has risen to 66.
The Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 crashed approximately 1.5 km after takeoff in a rural area near Puerto Leguízamo in southern Colombia, an area lacking paved roads where river transport is common.
Local Response and Rescue Efforts
Local residents were first to respond, forming a human chain to transport water to the crash site. Injured individuals were transported to a small local hospital lacking surgical facilities via motorcycle.
The Ministry of Defense dispatched aircraft with stretchers and medical personnel to transport the injured to other cities, including Bogotá.
President Petro Blames Bureaucracy and Past Purchases
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has blamed bureaucratic obstacles hindering army modernization and the previous administration for the crash. He stated on X (formerly Twitter) that a “scrap” aircraft purchased in 2020 was involved in the accident.
Petro questioned why a new aircraft wasn’t purchased, criticizing the decision to buy “misery” knowing it would be used by young people defending the country. He referenced local media reports indicating the 1983-built plane was acquired by former President Iván Duque in 2020.
Opposition Criticism and Upcoming Elections
The opposition has accused President Petro of neglecting the military. Colombia is scheduled to hold presidential elections on May 31st, with 14 candidates registered.
Iván Cepeda Castro, a left-wing candidate continuing Petro’s policies, and Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing candidate, are considered frontrunners, with a second round likely.
Political Context and Budget Disputes
President Petro criticized the opposition in parliament for vetoing his tax reforms aimed at strengthening the defense budget.