Peru: A tragic air disaster has struck southern Colombia after a military transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving at least 66 people dead and dozens injured.
The aircraft, a US-made Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, went down near Puerto Leguízamo in the remote Putumayo region, close to the border with Peru. According to Air Force commander Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda, there were 114 army personnel and 11 crew members on board at the time of the crash. Initial reports from military sources indicate that 58 soldiers, six air force personnel, and two police officers were among the dead.
Subtle disaster unfolds moments after takeoff
Officials said the aircraft crashed in a rural area moments after departing from Puerto Leguízamo. Emergency teams rushed to the site, combing through debris in search of survivors as thick smoke billowed from the wreckage.
Local media footage showed civilians assisting rescue efforts, with injured personnel being transported on motorbikes to nearby medical facilities.
Explosion triggered by onboard ammunition
Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as a ‘tragic accident,’ later confirming that a fire onboard triggered the detonation of ammunition being transported on the aircraft, worsening the impact.
The aircraft, built by Lockheed Martin, is widely used for military logistics and troop transport. The crash is being described as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history for Colombia’s military.
President Gustavo Petro expressed grief over the incident, calling it a ‘horrendous accident’ that ‘should not have happened.’ In a statement posted on X, he also pointed to bureaucratic delays that had slowed efforts to modernise military equipment.
Investigation underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, with early focus on the reported onboard fire and subsequent explosion.
The incident follows a similar tragedy last month in Bolivia, where another C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed, claiming at least 20 lives. Rescue operations continue as the nation mourns one of its most devastating military aviation losses in recent years.
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