Military Transport Crash in Colombia Leaves Dozens Dead

A military transport aircraft operated by the Colombian Air Force crashed shortly after takeoff in southern Colombia, killing at least 66 people and injuring dozens more. The aircraft, a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, was carrying a large contingent of troops along with its flight crew when the crash occurred near Puerto Leguízamo, close to the border with Peru.

Early reports indicate that more than 120 people were on board, including army personnel, air force crew members, and police officers. Rescue teams transported survivors to nearby medical facilities, while search efforts continued for several individuals initially reported missing.

Crash During Takeoff

Officials confirmed the aircraft went down moments after departure from a remote airstrip surrounded by dense rainforest. Preliminary accounts suggest the aircraft may have encountered trouble at low altitude, with one report indicating a wing strike before impact. A fire followed the crash, triggering explosions believed to be linked to onboard ammunition.

The location complicated rescue operations. Local residents were among the first to respond, using motorcycles to carry injured soldiers away from the wreckage before emergency crews arrived. Video footage from the scene shows smoke rising above the forest canopy as responders moved through difficult terrain.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. The crash stands as one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent Colombian military history.