A tragic air crash has shocked Colombia after a military aircraft went down shortly after takeoff. The Colombian Air Force confirmed that at least 66 people were killed, while many others were injured in the ุญุงุฏุซ.
The aircraft involved was a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, widely used for military transport. It was carrying 114 army personnel and 11 crew members at the time of the crash. The plane went down near Puerto Leguรญzamo in Putumayo province, close to the Peru border.
Officials from the Colombian Air Force stated that the aircraft was on a routine mission when the incident occurred. Early reports suggest that a fire broke out onboard, which may have caused an ammunition explosion. This likely increased the scale of the destruction.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene at the crash site. Thick smoke rose into the air as emergency teams rushed to help survivors. Local residents also joined rescue efforts, transporting injured soldiers to nearby hospitals using available vehicles.
Commander Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda of the Colombian Air Force confirmed the seriousness of the ุญุงุฏุซ. Defence Minister Pedro Sรกnchez called the crash a tragic accident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
President Gustavo Petro also reacted to the disaster, calling it a national tragedy. He said the incident should not have happened and stressed the need to review safety measures. He also mentioned concerns about delays in upgrading military equipment.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Experts will examine technical failures, safety protocols, and possible human factors.
This incident is considered one of the deadliest involving the Colombian Air Force in recent years. It has raised concerns about the safety of aging military aircraft in the region. A similar crash in Bolivia weeks earlier has added to these worries.
The country continues to mourn the loss of its soldiers and crew members. Rescue teams are still working at the site, while officials focus on supporting affected families and ensuring accountability.
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