At least 66 people have been confirmed dead and four remain missing after a military cargo plane crashed in Colombia, according to the latest reports.
The crash occurred on Monday near Puerto Leguízamo in the Putumayo province, close to the border with Peru. The aircraft involved was a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, built by Lockheed Martin.
Crash moments after takeoff
The plane crashed shortly after takeoff, reaching only about 1.5 kilometers in altitude before plunging to the ground and exploding. Officials suspect a mechanical failure may have caused the accident. Reports also indicate the aircraft may have struck tree branches before impact.
A total of 128 people were on board, including 11 Air Force personnel, 115 Army members, and two officers from the national police.
Survivors and rescue efforts
Colombian military chief Hugo Alejandro López confirmed that 57 people have been rescued alive. All survivors are injured and receiving treatment in hospitals, with around 30 reported to have non-serious injuries.
Local residents were among the first to respond, helping transport injured personnel to nearby hospitals, often using motorcycles.
Government reaction
President Gustavo Petro strongly criticized bureaucratic delays in modernizing the country’s defense forces. He warned that officials unwilling to support reforms would be removed.
“This is a matter of life and death. I will not tolerate further delays,” he said.
Investigation ongoing
Fire service spokesperson Eduardo San Juan Callejas said the aircraft may have been carrying fuel and possibly explosive materials, which contributed to the severity of the crash.
Authorities are continuing rescue and recovery operations as the investigation into the cause of the disaster remains underway.
