Post by : Shakul

A devastating military plane crash in Colombia has left at least 66 people dead, with four others still missing, after a transport aircraft went down shortly after takeoff in a remote southern region.

The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, was carrying 128 individuals, including army personnel, air force members, and police officers. According to military officials, dozens of survivors were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals, though many remain in critical condition.

The crash occurred near Puerto Leguízamo, a remote area close to the border with Peru. Initial reports suggest the aircraft encountered problems during takeoff, possibly impacting the runway area before losing control. Witness accounts indicate that one wing struck a tree before the plane crashed and caught fire, triggering explosions believed to be linked to onboard equipment.

Local residents were among the first responders, rushing injured passengers to safety using motorcycles due to the difficult terrain. Emergency and military teams later reached the site, but rescue operations have been slowed by the region’s limited accessibility.

Colombia’s armed forces chief, Hugo Alejandro López, confirmed that 57 survivors were hospitalised, with several reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have continued search and recovery efforts for those still unaccounted for.

President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences and called for urgent reforms, criticising delays in military modernisation efforts. He emphasised the need to prioritise safety and efficiency within the armed forces, especially as Colombia continues to rely on such aircraft for troop transport.

The Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the Hercules aircraft, has stated it will assist in the investigation. The C-130 model, first introduced in the 1950s, remains widely used globally for military logistics and humanitarian missions.

This incident marks one of the deadliest military aviation disasters in Colombia in recent years and comes amid ongoing efforts to upgrade aging defense equipment. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

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