A Colombian military plane crash in Putumayo has resulted in at least one confirmed death and numerous injuries. The incident is under investigation.
A Colombian military plane crashed shortly after takeoff on March 23, 2026, in Puerto Leguizamo, Putumayo, resulting in at least one confirmed death and multiple injuries. The Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 was carrying a total of 121 people, including 110 soldiers and 11 crew members.
Emergency responders reported that 77 individuals were rescued and hospitalized following the crash, while the status of 43 passengers remains undetermined. The aircraft went down approximately 2 kilometers from the airport, just after it had taken off.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with officials working to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his concern, stating, “I hope there are no fatalities in this horrific accident that should never have happened.”
Pedro Sánchez, a spokesperson for the Colombian Air Force, remarked, “This tragic accident occurred in Puerto Leguizamo,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He also noted that the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges within Colombia’s military aviation sector. President Petro criticized bureaucratic delays in military modernization plans, stating, “Bureaucratic difficulties in the military administration have not allowed the Conpes/confis to carry these out since a year ago when I requested it.”
Colombia has been acquiring Hercules C-130 planes since the late 1960s, which underscores the importance of maintaining and upgrading military equipment to ensure safety and operational readiness.
The Colombian Air Force has deployed two planes equipped with 74 beds to transport the injured to hospitals, demonstrating a swift response to the crisis.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the total number of casualties and the specific cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
