Deadly Crash Shocks the Nation
A tragic incident has struck Colombia after a military plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing at least 66 people. The aircraft, identified as a C-130 Hercules, was carrying more than 100 passengers, including army personnel and crew members.
🇨🇴 A military transport plane with 121 people on board, mostly soldiers, crashed shortly after taking off Monday in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, killing at least 66 people and leaving at least 81 injured, according to the town’s deputy mayor.
More here: https://t.co/ZiOB2yz2XO pic.twitter.com/9tzKrNQyIR
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) March 24, 2026
The crash happened near the small town of Puerto Leguizamo, close to the border with Peru. Thick smoke and fire were seen rising from the wreckage, while emergency teams rushed to the scene to search for survivors. This heartbreaking incident has left families across the country in grief and shock.
Rescue Efforts and Possible Cause
Rescue workers, soldiers, and even residents quickly joined efforts to help the injured. Some survivors were taken to nearby hospitals by motorbike due to the crash’s remote location. Officials reported that a fire may have started on board, which caused ammunition inside the plane to explode, making the situation worse.
Dozens of people are feared dead after a Colombian military cargo plane crashed Monday in the southwestern part of the country, Colombian officials said. https://t.co/AJ4nrix3hz
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 23, 2026
The aircraft, built by Lockheed Martin, is commonly used to transport troops and equipment. Authorities have launched a full investigation to find out the exact cause of the accident.
National Mourning and Calls for Change
The tragedy has deeply affected the nation, with President Gustavo Petro expressing sorrow and concern. He called the crash a “horrendous accident” and said it should not have happened. He also pointed to delays in upgrading military equipment as a possible concern.
This incident is one of the deadliest in recent history for Colombia’s air force and has raised serious questions about safety and maintenance. As the country mourns, many are now calling for urgent improvements to prevent such disasters in the future.
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