Colombian Military Plane Crash Leaves 1 Dead, Dozens Injured After Takeoff

A Colombian military transport plane carrying more than 100 people crashed shortly after takeoff in the southern part of the country, leaving at least one person dead and dozens injured.

According to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, 77 people were injured in the crash, while the status of more than 40 others remains unknown as search and rescue efforts continue.

The aircraft, identified as a C-130 Hercules, went down near Puerto Leguízamo in the Putumayo region, close to the border with Peru. Officials say the plane had just departed from Caucaya Airport when it crashed less than two miles away.

Authorities confirmed the aircraft was carrying 114 passengers and 11 crew members, with the majority believed to be military personnel. Survivors have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Dramatic images from the scene show thick black smoke and flames rising from the wreckage in a rural area. Emergency crews, including local responders, are continuing to search the crash site for additional survivors.

Defense officials say there is currently no indication the crash was caused by an attack, and the aircraft was considered airworthy with a qualified crew. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The plane, a C-130H model, is an older aircraft widely used for military transport and capable of operating in difficult conditions. It had been donated to Colombia by the United States in 2020.

President Petro expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said the tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about the modernization of the country’s military equipment.

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