Colombian Military C-130 Hercules Crashes Shortly After Takeoff Near Puerto Leguízamo | WATCH
While early unofficial reports from local sources suggest dozens of fatalities, the Colombian government and military have not yet released official casualty figures. 110 soldiers were on board when the plane crashed.
A Colombian Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane crashed in a fireball shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo this morning.
The aircraft was carrying 110 soldiers at the time of the incident, according to authorities cited by BluRadio and local media.
The crash occurred approximately 3 km (2 miles) from an urban center in Putumayo province, near Colombia’s border with Peru.
Rescue teams have been dispatched to the site, where videos show thick grey smoke and flames rising from the wreckage. Local residents have begun assisting in recovery efforts, El Tiempo reported.
Colombia’s Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the crash in an official statement:
“A tragic accident while it was taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, transporting troops of our security forces.”
He described the event as “deeply sad for the country” and added:
“All care protocols for the victims and their families have been activated, as well as the corresponding investigation. I express my most sincere condolences to the families of those affected and, in respect for their pain, I call for avoiding speculation until official information is available.”
No casualty figures have been released by the Colombian government, military, or any official source. The minister explicitly urged the public not to speculate on deaths or injuries.
The National Civil Aviation Authority and military investigators are on site.
This remains a developing story.