Military Plane Carrying Over 120 Passengers Crashes in ‘Tragic Accident’ After Takeoff, Injuring 77, Officials Say
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The Colombian Air Force announced that the C-130 Hercules plane, carrying approximately 110 soldiers and 11 crew, crashed after taking off on March 23.
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Air Force said dozens were injured but did not confirm possible deaths
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“I extend my sincere condolences to the families of those affected,” Colombia’s defense minister said in a statement. he said.
Colombian authorities reported that a military plane carrying at least 120 soldiers and crew crashed after takeoff, injuring 77 people.
In a news release, Colombian Air Force He said the accident, involving a C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying approximately 110 National Army soldiers and 11 crew members, occurred after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo on the morning of Monday, March 23.
“According to preliminary information, 77 people have been reported injured so far. Some are being treated at medical centers in Puerto Leguízamo and Puerto Asís, Putumayo,” the Air Force statement said. “Others will be urgently transferred to Bogotá and Florencia for specialized medical care. Air traffic control measures are also being implemented in the region to facilitate and expedite response and relief efforts.”
Flames and thick black smoke rise from an Air Force Hercules plane that crashed during takeoff near Ecuador’s southern border in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, March 23, 2026.
Credits: daniel ortiz / AFP via Getty
The Air Force press release did not indicate any possible deaths in the crash.
Pedro SánchezColombia’s defense minister also confirmed Monday’s incident in a post shared on X.
“With deep sadness, I report that a Hercules aircraft belonging to our @FuerzaAereaCol suffered a tragic accident while taking off from Puerto Leguízamo (Putumayo) while carrying troops from our Public Forces,” Sánchez said.
“Military units are already at the scene of the incident; however, the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined,” he added.
Colombian Air Force Commander Carlos Fernando Silva said about 48 people were alive and rescued. Associated Press reported.
“We do not have any further details at this time other than the fact that the plane experienced a problem immediately after takeoff and crashed into the ground a few kilometers from the airport,” Silva said. video notification, New York Times reported.
Soldiers and rescuers near an Air Force Hercules emitting heavy smoke after the plane crashed during takeoff in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, on March 23, 2026.
Credits: daniel ortiz / AFP via Getty
The Air Force said care and reaction protocols were activated following the crash, “deploying ambulance planes and aircraft in a mass patient transfer configuration with an interdisciplinary team that included medical professionals, Prehospital Care (APH), and investigators from the Colombian Aerospace Forces and the National Army.”
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“I extend my sincere condolences to the families of those affected and, respecting their pain, I urge them to refrain from speculation until official information arrives,” Sánchez said.
“This is a very painful event for the country. May our prayers accompany it and alleviate the pain to some extent.”
The Colombian Air Force did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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