Colombian military plane crash: Military C-130 Hercules with over 100 onboard crashes in Puerto Leguízamo- here's what we know so far

Colombian military plane crash: A tragic aviation incident has shaken Colombia after a military aircraft carrying dozens of troops crashed shortly after takeoff.

The situation remains fluid, with rescue efforts underway and authorities still working to confirm key details. Early reports point to a serious accident involving a widely used military transport plane.

Here’s everything we know so far about the crash, the rescue efforts, and the growing concerns around military aviation safety, as per several reports by The Guardian, CNN, Sky News and Reuters.


The crash involved a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft, a model long used by militaries around the world. It went down during takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo, a remote town in the Putumayo region near the border with Peru.

What happened during the takeoff in Puerto Leguízamo?

According to Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, the aircraft “suffered a tragic accident” while departing with troops on board. The exact moment of the crash remains unclear, but reports suggest the plane had just taken off before descending back toward the ground.

“Military units are already at the scene. However, the number of victims and the causes of the accident have not yet been precisely determined,” he said on X.

Footage circulating from the area appears to show the aircraft flying over dense rainforest before losing altitude. The crash reportedly occurred just a couple of miles from an urban center.

How many troops were on board and what is their status?

Officials confirmed that “dozens” of troops were being transported on the flight, with some reports suggesting the number could be as high as 110 soldiers.

So far, around 48people have been rescued alive from the wreckage, though there are discrepancies in reports, with some sources placing that number closer to 67. This still leaves more than 50 individuals unaccounted for, raising fears about the final toll, as per a report by The Guardian.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, and rescue teams continue to search through the debris.

What have officials said about the cause and response?

President Gustavo Petro responded to the incident with concern, saying he hopes there are no fatalities from what he described as an accident that “should never have happened.”

He also pointed to ongoing challenges in modernizing the country’s armed forces, blaming “bureaucratic difficulties” for delays.

"If the civil or military administrative officials are not up to this challenge, they must be removed,” said Petro.

In a follow-up statement on X, he stressed urgency: "I hope there are ⁠no fatalities in this horrific accident that should never have happened. I will grant no further delays; it is the ‌lives of our young people that are at stake."

Defense Minister Sánchez added that all emergency protocols had been activated and urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.

“I express my sincerest condolences to the families of those affected and, out of respect for their grief, I urge everyone to avoid speculation until official information is available,” he said, calling it a “profoundly painful event for the country.”

The aircraft model involved has been part of Colombia’s fleet since the late 1960s, reflecting long-standing reliance on the platform. The crash also comes amid a troubling pattern, marking the second major aviation incident in Colombia in recent months.

As rescue operations continue and officials work to determine what went wrong, the country is left waiting for answers — and hoping for more survivors to be found.

FAQs

How many people were rescued after the crash?

Around 57 individuals have been pulled from the wreckage alive.



Do officials know the cause of the crash?

No, authorities say the cause is still under investigation.