Scores killed as Colombian military plane crashes on takeoff
Scores Killed in Colombian Military Plane Crash During Takeoff
A Colombian military transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in at least 64 fatalities and numerous injuries, reported by Governor Jhon Gabriel Molina of the region. The C-130 Hercules aircraft disintegrated upon impact and ignited flames near Puerto Leguízamo, a town in the Putumayo region bordering Peru.
Molina stated that 114 individuals were aboard the plane, including 112 members of the Colombian Army, two police officers, and 11 crew members. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, with Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez noting there is no evidence of an attack by criminal groups. He emphasized that the plane was in operational condition and the crew was properly trained.
“The crash ‘should never have happened,’ said Colombian President Gustavo Petro, criticizing the armed forces’ lack of modernization due to bureaucratic hurdles.”
A CNN geolocated video shows the military plane departing from Caucaya Airport and flying over a rural area before the crash. The footage suggests the aircraft crashed within two miles of the airport. On-site images depict dense black smoke and intense flames from the wreckage.
Indigenous ranger Nicolas Ordoñez, participating in rescue efforts in Leguízamo, informed CNN that several survivors were transported to a local hospital. Some injured soldiers were airlifted to Bogotá for medical care. Sánchez extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
Background on the Aircraft
The plane in question was a C-130H Hercules, an older variant of the C-130 series introduced in March 1965 by manufacturer Lockheed Martin. It was donated to the Colombian Air Force by the US Air Force in September 2020. These cargo planes are known for their ability to operate in remote and challenging environments.
Previous Incident
This tragedy follows a similar crash near Cúcuta in late January, where an aircraft fell just nine minutes after takeoff. All aboard, including congressman Diógenes Quintero, perished in that incident.
This story has been updated. Reporting contributions from CNN’s Stefano Pozzebon, Avery Schmitz, and Ivonne Valdés.
