Colombian Air Force Plane Crash Kills 66 Near Takeoff

At least 66 people were killed on Monday after a Colombian Air Force transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in southern Colombia. The tragic incident occurred near the town of Puerto Leguízamo.

The aircraft involved was a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, carrying around 125 people, mostly military personnel. According to officials, the plane went down just 1.5 kilometers after taking off.

Initial reports from local authorities, including Puerto Leguízamo mayor Luis Emilio Bustos, confirmed 34 deaths. However, the Colombian military later updated the death toll to 66. Several others were injured, while nearly two dozen people are still missing.

Putumayo governor Jhon Gabriel Molina earlier stated that around 70 people were injured and 21 were unaccounted for. He added that the numbers could change as rescue operations continue.

Rescue efforts have been challenging due to ongoing fires at the crash site. Authorities said ammunition and explosives onboard the aircraft detonated after the crash, making it difficult for teams to reach survivors. Videos from the scene showed thick smoke and burning debris as emergency crews worked to control the situation.

According to initial reports, the aircraft may have struck near the end of the runway during takeoff. A firefighter told local media that one of the wings also hit a tree before the plane crashed.

Local residents were among the first to reach the site and help rescue survivors before military and emergency teams arrived. However, the remote location and difficult terrain have slowed down rescue operations.

The C-130 Hercules aircraft has been in service since the 1950s. Colombia has been using these planes since the late 1960s, mainly for transporting troops and supplies, especially in areas affected by internal conflict.

Authorities are continuing rescue and investigation efforts to determine the exact cause of the crash.