A Colombian military plane crashed shortly after takeoff on March 23, 2026, in Puerto Leguizamo, Putumayo, leaving at least one person dead.
The Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 was carrying 121 individuals, including 110 soldiers and 11 crew members. As of now, 77 people have been rescued and hospitalized, while the status of 43 passengers remains unconfirmed.
The crash occurred just 2 kilometers from the airport, raising immediate concerns about the safety protocols in place for military flights. The Colombian Air Force has dispatched two planes equipped with 74 beds to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “I hope there are no fatalities in this horrific accident that should never have happened.” He also criticized bureaucratic delays in military modernization plans, which he claims have hindered necessary upgrades.
Pedro Sánchez, a spokesperson for the Colombian Air Force, remarked, “This tragic accident occurred in Puerto Leguizamo,” while emphasizing that the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information. Colombia has been acquiring Hercules C-130 planes since the late 1960s, making this incident particularly alarming.
Details remain unconfirmed as the situation develops. The nation watches closely as officials work to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
