Bogota: A Colombian military transport plane crashed during takeoff on Monday, killing 66 people and leaving several others missing, officials confirmed. Authorities said the Lockheed Martin-built Hercules C-130 carried 128 individuals, including Air Force members, army personnel, and police officers.
According to armed forces chief Hugo Alejandro Lopez, rescuers rushed 57 survivors to nearby hospitals, while teams continued searching for four missing individuals. Meanwhile, the death toll rose sharply as recovery efforts progressed at the crash site.
The aircraft went down near Puerto Leguizamo, close to the Peru border, shortly after attempting takeoff. Firefighter Eduardo San Juan Callejas explained that the plane likely struck an object near the runway before a wing clipped a tree, causing it to lose control. Consequently, the aircraft caught fire, triggering explosions believed to involve onboard equipment.
Residents in the remote area immediately assisted survivors, transporting injured soldiers on motorcycles along dirt roads. However, difficult terrain delayed the arrival of military rescue vehicles and slowed emergency operations.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the location and said authorities had launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. At the same time, Lockheed Martin pledged support for Colombia’s inquiry.
President Gustavo Petro criticized delays in military modernization, stressing the urgent need for reform to protect service members. Additionally, political leaders offered condolences and demanded accountability ahead of upcoming elections.
The Hercules C-130, widely used for troop transport, has served Colombia for decades, though concerns over aging aircraft continue to grow.
