A Colombian military transport plane crashed near Puerto Leguizamo on March 23, killing at least 66 people and injuring dozens, Colombia’s armed forces chief confirmed. The C-130 plane was carrying 128 people, mostly soldiers, when it went down shortly after takeoff.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto reported that 66 military personnel died, with four others still missing. The plane carried 115 Army members, 11 crew, and two National Police personnel. The crash site was approximately two kilometers from Puerto Leguizamo airport in the Amazonian Putumayo province. Authorities have found no evidence of an attack by illegal armed groups.
Local hospitals treated the injured before some were airlifted to larger medical centers in Bogotá and other cities. Videos from the scene showed soldiers being rushed out on motorcycles by residents and a black cloud of smoke over the crash site. Emergency crews and nearby civilians helped extinguish fires caused by the crash.
Investigation and Equipment Status
Colombia’s Air Force commander Carlos Fernando Silva said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The plane had recently undergone a major overhaul in 2023 after being donated by the United States in 2020. Aviation experts noted that the aircraft’s engines and key components were replaced during this overhaul, casting doubt on mechanical failure due to poor maintenance.
President Gustavo Petro called for reforms to modernize military equipment and suggested officials responsible for logistical challenges should be held accountable. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez stated publicly that no signs so far indicate an armed attack and described the accident as deeply painful for the nation.
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