A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane crashed on Monday, March 23, 2026, near Puerto Leguízamo in the Putumayo province, resulting in at least eight confirmed fatalities and over 80 injuries, according to reports from the BBC and Colombian officials.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft, carrying 114 army personnel and 11 crew members, went down shortly after taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, a remote municipality in the Amazonian province of Putumayo. Initial reports indicated approximately 110 service members were on board, as per defense officials and AirLive. The plane is a US-made C-130 Hercules, commonly used for transporting troops and cargo, as identified by the Colombian Air Force and The New York Times.
Rescue Efforts and Response
Emergency workers were dispatched to the crash site, and 77 people were rescued with injuries, according to the Colombian air force, as reported by The Associated Press. Injured individuals were transported to hospitals in larger cities after receiving initial treatment at the two clinics in Puerto Leguízamo. Images circulating on social media show locals assisting in the rescue efforts, transporting injured soldiers on motorbikes.
Investigation and Political Response
Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the cause of the crash is under investigation and confirmed there were no indications of an attack by rebel groups operating in the area. He described the incident as a “tragic accident” and expressed sorrow for the country, as reported by the BBC. President Gustavo Petro shared footage of the crash site on X and used the accident to advocate for the modernization of the armed forces’ equipment, citing “bureaucratic difficulties” hindering these efforts.
Ongoing Updates
As of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Further updates will be provided as they grow available.
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