A Colombian Air Force Hercules aircraft carrying over 100 soldiers crashed during takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo on Monday afternoon.
Colombian Military Confirms Crash
Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez reported that a Hercules aircraft belonging to the Colombian Air Force crashed during takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo in the Putumayo department, while transporting soldiers.
Casualty Reports Vary
Initial reports from BluRadio indicate 110 soldiers were on board, while RCN Noticias reports approximately 130. The Governor of Putumayo informed RCN Noticias that 59 wounded soldiers have been rescued, including six with critical injuries, and that several fatalities have occurred.
Eyewitness Account
A local resident described the scene to a local radio station, stating rescue efforts are underway in agricultural areas where the plane crashed, with injured individuals being transported by ambulance and motorcycle.
Ongoing Response and Investigation
Military units are at the crash site, but the exact number of casualties and the cause of the accident remain undetermined. All procedures for assisting victims and their families, as well as a formal investigation, have been initiated.
President Petro’s Response
President Gustavo Petro expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and urged restraint from speculation until official information is released, calling the event a deeply painful one for the country. He also noted that modernizing the armed forces has been a priority of his presidency and expressed hope for no fatalities.