WASHINGTON (TNND) — A military transport plane carrying 128 people crashed in Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least 66 fatalities and numerous injuries.
The Hercules C-130 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo around 2:41 p.m. General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate four missing military personnel.
According to Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, the plane was transporting troops from Colombia's Public Force at the time of the incident. He emphasized the aircraft was “airworthy” and that the crew was qualified. Sánchez noted the crash occurred approximately 1.5 kilometers from the aerodrome.
Victims' bodies were transported to the local morgue, while injured individuals received treatment at nearby clinics before being airlifted to larger hospitals in Bogotá. Two planes equipped with 74 beds were dispatched to assist with the evacuations.
Images from the scene show a significant smoke plume, and reports indicate that munitions aboard the aircraft detonated due to the fire. Authorities stated that a technical investigation will be conducted, with assistance from the United States Air Force, to determine the cause of the crash.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro highlighted the need for modernization of military equipment amid criticisms regarding budget cuts affecting flight hours.
General Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda stated that, as of now, the cause of the crash remains undetermined.
Authorities are continuing recovery and investigation efforts.