Colombia plane crash: A Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 aircraft of the Colombian Air Force, with at least 110 soldiers on board, crashed during take-off airfield near Puerto Leguízamo, in the country’s southern Putumayo region on Monday morning, Colombia’s defence ministry said.
How many casualties are feared?
According to latest reports, at least 90 soldiers are feared dead in the fatal plane crash, with local officials stating that around 110 troopers were on board when the mishap occurred, though Colombian authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number.
Taking to X, Colombia’s Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed grief over the deadly crash, and said the aircraft was carrying troops from the country’s Public Force, but did not divulge the exact number of soldiers who were travelling on the jet when it crashes.
“With deep sorrow, I report that a Hercules aircraft from our @FuerzaAereaCol suffered a tragic accident while taking off from Puerto Leguízamo (Putumayo), as it was transporting troops from our Public Force,” Sánchez wrote.
What did Colombian authorities?
He said that military units have arrived at the scene, “however, the exact number of victims and the cause of the crash have not yet been determined.”
Sánchez expressed condolences to the bereaved families, and urged citizen to avoid speculation until official information becomes available, adding that “all care protocols for the victims and their families have been activated, as well as the corresponding investigation.”
“I express my most sincere condolences to the families of those affected and, in respect for their pain, I call for avoiding speculation until official information is available. It is a deeply painful event for the country. May our prayers accompany and, to some extent, alleviate the sorrow.”
Visuals show jet engulfed in flames
Meanwhile, visuals of the crash shared on social media sites showed the mangled wreckage of the military aircraft engulfed in flames with thick plumes of black smoke emanating from the site.
Videos shot by eyewitnesses showed the aircraft almost completely destroyed in the crash, and a massive fire at the crash site, raising fears that the accident may not have left any survivors.
