A military aircraft carrying more than 100 personnel has crashed during takeoff in Colombia, authorities confirmed on Monday, March 23.
The incident involved a Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 plane and occurred in Puerto Leguízamo, a town in southwestern Colombia near the border with Peru.
Colombia’s Defence Minister, Pedro Sánchez, said military response teams were immediately deployed to the crash site, though details about casualties and the cause of the accident remain unclear.
“Military units are already at the scene. However, the number of victims and the causes of the accident have not yet been precisely determined,” Sánchez posted on X.
According to Reuters, local media outlet BluRadio reported that about 110 soldiers were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. The destination of the flight has not yet been disclosed.
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Authorities have activated emergency response measures to support victims and their families, while an investigation into the crash is underway.
“All care protocols for the victims and their families have been activated, as well as the corresponding investigation,” the minister added, while also expressing condolences.
“I express my most sincere condolences to the families of those affected.”
The situation is still unfolding, and more details are expected as officials continue rescue and recovery operations.
BREAKING: Colombian Air Force plane carrying 110 people crashes near Puerto Leguízamo – local media pic.twitter.com/YroHAk1lHG
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) March 23, 2026