Colombia Plane Crash: Death Toll Climbs to 66 in Putumayo Tragedy
A military transport plane crashed in southwestern Colombia on Monday, March 23, 2026, resulting in a significant loss of life. The death toll has risen sharply to 66, according to the Colombian army . Authorities continue to recover bodies from the wreckage.
What Happened?
The accident involved a C-130 Hercules aircraft that went down shortly after takeoff near Puerto Leguízamo, a remote municipality in the Putumayo Department, bordering Peru , . The plane was transporting troops from Colombia’s Public Force when it “suffered a tragic accident” . Initial reports indicated eight fatalities, later revised to 34 by the governor of Putumayo, before climbing to the current confirmed figure of 66 .
Location and Context
Puerto Leguízamo is located on the north bank of the Putumayo River in a southern border region of Colombia . The town has a population of approximately 28,468 as of the 2018 census and is served by Caucayá Airport . The area experiences a tropical rainforest climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year .
Rescue Efforts and Investigation
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site, and dozens of injured passengers were transported to Bogota’s Central Military hospital . Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for avoiding speculation while the cause of the accident is investigated .
Key Takeaways
- A Colombian military plane crashed in Putumayo on March 23, 2026.
- The death toll currently stands at 66, with ongoing recovery efforts.
- The aircraft was carrying troops from Colombia’s Public Force.
- The cause of the crash is under investigation.