A tragic incident unfolded on March 23, 2026, when a Colombian military plane, a Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130, crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo in the Putumayo province. The aircraft was carrying a total of 121 individuals, including 110 soldiers and 11 crew members.

As of now, at least one person has been confirmed dead, while 77 others were rescued and hospitalized following the crash. The Colombian Air Force has mobilized two planes equipped with 74 beds to assist in transporting the injured to medical facilities.

The crash occurred approximately 2 kilometers from the airport and 3 kilometers from an urban center, raising immediate concerns about the safety protocols in place for military flights. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with authorities working to determine the exact number of fatalities and injuries.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his hope that there would be no further fatalities, stating, “I hope there are no fatalities in this horrific accident that should never have happened.” His remarks reflect a growing concern regarding the bureaucratic delays that have hindered military modernization efforts, which he noted have been stalled for over a year.

Pedro Sánchez, another official, commented on the situation, saying, “This tragic accident occurred in Puerto Leguizamo,” and emphasized that the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have yet to be determined.

Colombia has a long history with the Hercules C-130 aircraft, having acquired them since the late 1960s for various military operations. This incident raises questions about the maintenance and operational readiness of such aircraft, especially in light of the ongoing modernization challenges faced by the Colombian military.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the casualties and the precise circumstances leading to the crash. Investigators are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.

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