Colombian Air Force Plane Carrying 110 People Crashes Near Puerto Leguízamo

A military transport plane carrying Colombian soldiers and personnel crashed on Monday near the town of Puerto Leguízamo in southern Colombia. The aircraft, a Lockheed Martin C‑130 Hercules, went down shortly after taking off from a local airfield in the Putumayo region, according to the country’s defense ministry. The aircraft was reported to be transporting around 110 members of the military at the time of the incident. Officials say search and rescue teams have reached the crash site, but details on casualties are still emerging. Emergency units are working to secure the area and recover survivors.

Crash Details and Immediate Response

The Hercules aircraft belonged to the Colombian Air Force and was on a routine troop movement mission, according to defense officials. The plane lifted off from Puerto Leguízamo early Monday morning when it suddenly crashed into the dense jungle surrounding the airstrip. Local media and video from the scene showed the wreckage engulfed in flames after impact. Eyewitness accounts describe thick smoke rising above the tree line as rescue helicopters and ground troops moved into the area.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the accident and expressed his condolences on social platforms, stating the situation was “deeply painful” for the nation. He asked Colombians to avoid speculation while authorities work to establish the facts. Some early reports suggest that a large number of service members may have been killed or severely injured, but official figures have not been released. Military search and rescue units, including helicopters, have been deployed to recover survivors and bring the wounded to medical facilities.

Regional Context and Investigation Underway

The Putumayo region lies deep in southern Colombia, near the border with Peru and Ecuador. The area is covered in tropical forest with limited road access, making air transport essential for the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. The C‑130 Hercules is widely used by military and air forces around the world because it can operate from short or rugged runways and carry heavy loads.

Authorities have said the cause of the crash is not yet known. Early speculation includes possible mechanical failure or issues related to takeoff weight, but the defense ministry has urged the public to await official findings. Aviation investigators and military engineers are expected to examine the wreckage, flight data, and maintenance records. The results of that inquiry may take days or weeks, but officials say it is essential to understanding what led to this tragic event.