Crash
March 24, New Delhi – At least 66 people were killed in Colombia after a military Hercules C-130 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the southern Amazon region.
The aircraft was carrying approximately 125 people. Rescue and evacuation efforts are currently underway following the crash.
21 people remain unidentified after the aircraft crashed near Puerto Leguizamo in Putumayo, close to the borders with Ecuador and Peru.
The plane, carrying troops and cargo, went down shortly after takeoff, with debris scattered across the jungle, while authorities said ammunition on board detonated after the impact.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with emergency teams reaching the crash site and ambulances rushing injured personnel to a military hospital in Bogota. Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.