A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Puerto Leguízamo on 23rd March 2026, carrying approximately 110 troops and 11 crew members. Initial reports suggest that 77 individuals sustained injuries, but there has been no official confirmation regarding fatalities from the incident.
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Colombia’s Defence Minister, Pedro Sánchez, acknowledged the tragic accident in a statement via social media platform X. He expressed his condolences to the families affected and stressed the importance of refraining from speculation pending official updates. “Military units are already at the scene of the incident; however, the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined,” Sánchez noted.
The aircraft reportedly took off from Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo, a region near Colombia’s southern border with Ecuador. According to preliminary information from the Air Force, approximately 48 passengers were rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment. Some of the injured have been treated at local medical facilities in Puerto Leguízamo and nearby Puerto Asís, while others are set to be transferred urgently to hospitals in Bogotá and Florencia for specialised care.
The Colombian Air Force swiftly activated emergency response protocols following the crash. It deployed ambulances and air transport configured for mass patient transfer, enlisting a multidisciplinary team, including medical specialists and investigators from both the Colombian Aerospace Force and the National Army.
Carlos Fernando Silva, the commander of the Colombian Air Force, provided a statement indicating that the plane encountered difficulties shortly after take-off, descending rapidly a few kilometres from the airport. Though details remain scarce, Silva confirmed that survivors were rescued and are receiving assistance.
As the situation unfolds, local and national authorities are implementing air traffic control measures to facilitate the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the area. This incident marks a significant event amidst Colombia’s ongoing military operations, highlighting the essential yet perilous nature of transporting personnel and equipment.
In response to the crash, several officials and military units have mobilised to the site to provide aid and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sánchez remarked on the national tragedy, expressing that “it is a deeply painful event for the country,” encouraging collective support for the affected families.
While there has been an outpouring of grief and concern throughout Colombia, the Air Force has stated that further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available. Investigators are working to ascertain the cause of the crash, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such disasters in the future.
The incident has captured the attention of the Colombian public, with many expressing their sadness and extending condolences to those affected. As rescue operations continue, the nation watches closely, united in hope for the wounded and their families during this distressing time.