A catastrophic military aviation accident in Colombia has left at least 66 people dead after a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near the town of Puerto Leguízamo, close to the border with Peru. The aircraft was reportedly carrying 125 individuals, including 114 passengers and 11 crew members, many of them military personnel, when it went down in dense jungle terrain just minutes after leaving the runway.
According to military officials, the aircraft initially managed to lift off but soon experienced what witnesses described as a sudden loss of altitude before crashing into the rainforest. Video footage circulating online appears to show the plane climbing briefly before descending rapidly back toward the ground, though investigators have not yet confirmed its authenticity or the exact sequence of events.
Colombian armed forces officials confirmed the death toll and warned that the number of casualties could rise as search and rescue teams continue to navigate difficult terrain to reach the crash site. Thick jungle conditions have significantly slowed recovery efforts, and some individuals remain unaccounted for.
The Colombian defense ministry has stated that the cause of the crash is still unknown. Investigators are examining possible technical failures, as early witness accounts suggest the aircraft may have suffered mechanical issues shortly after takeoff. Air Force officials have emphasized that no final conclusions have been reached.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as a national tragedy and confirmed that emergency protocols have been activated to support victims’ families. He urged the public to avoid speculation until official findings are released.
President Gustavo Petro also responded to the disaster, calling for urgent improvements in military equipment and oversight, and criticizing delays in modernization efforts. His remarks reflected broader concerns about the safety and maintenance of aging military aircraft.
The C-130 Hercules involved in the crash is a widely used military transport aircraft that has been in service globally since the 1950s. Colombia has operated the model since the late 1960s. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash while rescue operations remain ongoing.
