New Delhi/Bogotá: A Colombian Air Force transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Puerto Leguízamo in the southern Putumayo region on Monday, prompting an emergency response and raising fears of a major military aviation disaster.
The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, went down minutes after departing from the remote Amazonian town near Colombia’s border with Peru, according to officials.
Colombia’s Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the incident, describing it as a “tragic accident” and said rescue teams had been deployed to the crash site. Military and emergency personnel are working in difficult terrain to locate survivors and assess the extent of the damage.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft was carrying a large number of personnel, with estimates ranging between 80 and over 100 people, most believed to be soldiers. However, authorities have not released an official passenger count.
There is no confirmed information yet on casualties or survivors. Officials have urged caution against speculation as rescue operations continue.
Local media reports said the aircraft crashed within minutes of takeoff, with witnesses describing flames and thick smoke rising from the site. The cause of the crash remains unknown and is under investigation.
The incident marks one of the most serious aviation emergencies involving the Colombian military in recent years, and comes as authorities face increasing logistical challenges operating in remote and conflict-prone regions.
Further details are expected as rescue teams reach the site and officials provide verified updates.
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