A tragic air disaster has struck Colombia after a military aircraft carrying over 120 people crashed shortly after takeoff in the southern part of the country.
According to Air Force Commander Carlos Fernando Silva, the aircraft had 114 passengers and 11 crew members on board at the time of the incident. Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the crash.
President Gustavo Petro confirmed that at least one person has died, while 77 others sustained injuries. The fate of 43 individuals remains unknown, raising fears that the death toll could increase.
“The causes of the Hercules plane accident are still unknown. Strength to the families of the young soldiers of the Homeland,” the president stated.
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Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed that the aircraft—a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules—departed from Puerto Leguízamo, a town near the Peru border, while transporting military personnel.
Emergency responders and military units have since been deployed to the crash site, located about 3 kilometers from an urban area, according to reports by Blu Radio.
“It is a deeply painful event for the country. May our prayers bring some measure of comfort,” the defence minister said.
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The C-130 Hercules aircraft has been a long-standing part of Colombia’s military fleet since the late 1960s, with several units upgraded in recent years.
This incident comes just weeks after another C-130 crash involving the Bolivian Air Force in El Alto, which left more than 20 people dead and dozens injured.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as the nation mourns and awaits further updates.
