Scores killed as Colombian military plane crashes on takeoff

Tragic Incident as Colombian Military Plane Crashes During Takeoff

A Colombian military transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the southern region of the country, leading to at least 69 fatalities and 57 injuries, the armed forces confirmed. The C-130 Hercules aircraft shattered upon impact and sparked a fire near Puerto Leguízamo, a town in the Putumayo area bordering Peru. The crash occurred close to the airport, as revealed by geolocated footage shared by CNN.

Composition of the Crew and Casualties

The 126 individuals aboard included 113 soldiers, two police officers, and 11 crew members, according to military sources. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, with Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez stating there is no sign of a criminal attack. He noted the plane was operational and the crew was “duly qualified.”

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that the crash’s cause is still being analyzed. He also added that there is no evidence of an attack by criminal groups, stressing the aircraft’s airworthiness and the crew’s training.

Scene and Rescue Efforts

CNN’s geolocated video shows the plane departing Caucaya Airport and flying over a rural area before the crash. The footage suggests the incident happened within two miles of the airport. At the crash site, thick smoke and flames were visible, according to images shared by local media. An indigenous ranger involved in the rescue operation in Leguízamo told CNN that several survivors were taken to a local hospital, with some injured soldiers later evacuated to Bogotá for medical care.

Historical Context and Recent Incidents

The C-130H Hercules, an older model in the C-130 series, was donated to the Colombian Air Force by the US Air Force in September 2020. This model, first introduced in March 1965, is known for its versatility in operating under challenging conditions. The crash marks another in a series of aviation tragedies in Colombia, following an incident near Cúcuta in late January where an aircraft fell within nine minutes of takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all onboard, including congressman Diógenes Quintero.

Presidential Response

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the crash “a tragedy that should never have happened,” citing the need for modernizing the armed forces due to “bureaucratic difficulties.” The incident has prompted expressions of sympathy from Sánchez, who extended condolences to the affected families.

This story has been updated. CNN’s Stefano Pozzebon, Avery Schmitz, and Ivonne Valdés contributed to the report.