BOGOTÁ, Colombia — A Colombia military plane crash has killed at least 66 people, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s military history and raising urgent concerns over aircraft safety and operational readiness.
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, operated by the Colombian Air Force, crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday from Puerto Leguízamo in the southern Putumayo region. Authorities said 128 people were on board, including army personnel, air force crew, and police officers.
Officials confirmed that dozens of others were injured and at least four remain missing as search and rescue operations continue in the remote Amazonian terrain.
Crash occurs minutes after departure
Colombia’s defense ministry said the aircraft went down during its initial climb, crashing approximately one to two kilometers from the airport before bursting into flames.
Emergency responders, including military units and local residents, rushed to the scene to extract survivors. Videos circulating locally showed civilians transporting injured soldiers on motorcycles from the crash site, highlighting the limited emergency infrastructure in the isolated region.
Authorities have ruled out any attack by armed groups operating in the area, describing the incident as a “tragic accident.”
Survivors were first treated at small local clinics before many were airlifted to larger hospitals in Bogotá and other cities due to the severity of their injuries.
Death toll confirms scale of national tragedy
Military officials said the victims include members of Colombia’s National Army, Air Force personnel, and police officers.
The death toll of 66 is expected to place the crash among the most severe military aviation disasters in Colombia in recent decades.
With dozens injured and several individuals still unaccounted for, authorities warned that the final toll could change as recovery efforts continue.
For families of the victims and communities across Colombia, the disaster underscores the risks faced by military personnel, particularly in remote operational zones.
The disaster has renewed scrutiny over military aviation safety standards, particularly following other recent incidents involving military aircraft.
Political pressure mounts over aging aircraft
The Colombia military plane crash has triggered renewed debate over the country’s reliance on older aircraft within its defense fleet.
President Gustavo Petro has pointed to longstanding delays in modernizing military equipment, warning that systemic issues may have contributed to the tragedy. The aircraft involved was part of a fleet that has been in use for decades, though officials have said it was considered operational at the time of the crash.
Defense officials have urged caution, emphasizing that the cause of the crash remains under investigation and that no definitive conclusions have been reached.
Investigation underway as recovery continues
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine what caused the aircraft to lose altitude during takeoff. Early possibilities include mechanical failure or operational complications, but officials have not confirmed any cause.
Details of the incident were first reported by the Associated Press.
The crash site, located in dense jungle terrain near Colombia’s borders with Peru and Ecuador, has complicated recovery and investigative efforts.
Military teams continue to secure the area and collect evidence, while search operations remain active for the missing.
As Colombia confronts the aftermath of the disaster, the incident has intensified calls for improved aviation safety standards, faster emergency response capabilities, and greater investment in modern military infrastructure.
