A military transport aircraft carrying scores of troops has crashed shortly after takeoff in Colombia, with authorities fearing heavy casualties even as rescue efforts continue.
The aircraft, identified as a Hercules transport plane, went down on Monday shortly after departing from Puerto Leguizamo, near Colombia’s southern border with Ecuador. Officials said at least 80 people were on board at the time of crash, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Early reports suggest that as many as 50 passengers may have survived the crash, according to a military source, raising hopes that some lives were spared despite the severity of the incident.
The region where the crash occurred has witnessed heightened military operations in recent weeks, as Colombian and Ecuadorian forces intensify efforts against drug trafficking networks and armed groups.
While the cause of the crash has not yet been determined, footage aired by state broadcaster RCN showed the wreckage of the aircraft engulfed in flames in a forested area.
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Reacting to the tragedy, Colombia’s Defence Minister, Pedro Sanchez, expressed grief over the incident and confirmed that emergency teams had been deployed to the crash site.
“Military units are already at the scene,” Sanchez posted on social media, adding that “the number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been confirmed.”
He described the development as a national tragedy, saying, “It is a deeply painful event for the country. May our prayers bring some measure of comfort.”
The crash marks the second involving a C-130 Hercules aircraft in South America within a month. In a similar incident in Bolivia in February, a military cargo plane crashed near La Paz, resulting in multiple fatalities.
The Hercules aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is widely used by armed forces globally due to its ability to operate in challenging environments and transport both personnel and heavy equipment.
Timothy Enietan-Matthews
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