A Colombian military plane crashed shortly after takeoff on March 23, 2026, in Puerto Leguizamo, Putumayo, leaving one person confirmed dead and 77 others hospitalized. The Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 was transporting a total of 121 individuals, including 110 soldiers and 11 crew members, when the incident occurred approximately 2 kilometers from the airport.
The Colombian Air Force confirmed that the crash took place just after takeoff, and the cause is currently under investigation. Rescue operations were initiated promptly, with two planes dispatched to transport the injured to hospitals.
Pedro Sánchez, a spokesperson for the Colombian government, remarked, “This tragic accident occurred in Puerto Leguizamo,” while Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, expressed his hope that there would be no further fatalities, stating, “I hope there are no fatalities in this horrific accident that should never have happened.”
As of now, the status of 43 passengers remains undetermined, adding to the urgency of the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The Colombian Air Force has been involved in military operations utilizing Hercules C-130 planes since the late 1960s, underscoring the importance of these aircraft in national defense.
In light of the crash, 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.” This incident raises questions about the operational readiness and safety of military aircraft in Colombia.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of fatalities and injuries, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Colombian government is expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
