At least eight people died, and 83 others sustained injuries after a Colombian military aircraft crashed in the Putumayo region of southern Colombia on Tuesday, officials confirmed. Fourteen of the injured remain in critical condition.
Authorities said 114 passengers and 11 crew members were on board the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft during the crash.
Investigators have launched a probe to determine the cause of the incident.
Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez said the aircraft crashed during take-off from Puerto Leguizamo. He added that military personnel reached the site promptly, while officials continue to examine the cause of the crash.
The Defence Minister extended condolences to the victims’ families and assured them that authorities have activated all necessary care protocols.
Officials have airlifted several injured soldiers to Bogota for advanced medical treatment.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the crash deeply unfortunate and said such an incident should not have occurred. He highlighted delays in modernising the armed forces as a concern and thanked local residents who helped rescue survivors.
Flight data shows the aircraft was a C-130H Hercules, an older model that entered service in 1965.
Lockheed Martin manufactured the aircraft, which the US Air Force donated to the Colombian Air Force in 2020.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash as rescue and relief operations remain underway in the region.
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