The incident occurred during the takeoff of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules from the Puerto Leguizamo airfield, located on the border with Peru. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez noted that the aircraft, according to preliminary data, collided with an obstacle at the end of the runway.
The crash site of the military aircraft in Colombia. Photo: La Voz de Amazonia / Mare Rafue / Handout via Reuters.
The crash site of the military aircraft in Colombia. Photo: La Voz de Amazonia / Mare Rafue / Handout via Reuters.
The crash site of the military aircraft in Colombia. Photo: La Voz de Amazonia / Mare Rafue / Handout via Reuters.
According to eyewitnesses and rescuers, the aircraft struck a tree during the fall, after which a fire broke out, and the explosive materials on board detonated. Local residents were the first to assist the victims, evacuating survivors, including on motorcycles, until military personnel arrived.
Preliminary data indicates that there were 121 people on board - 110 military personnel and 11 crew members.
In light of this tragedy, President Gustavo Petro emphasized the need for accelerated modernization of the military and criticized the bureaucratic obstacles that, in his opinion, endanger the lives of servicemen.
Since the 1960s, C-130 Hercules aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin have been actively used in Colombia for troop transport amid an ongoing internal conflict.
