Scores killed as Colombian military plane crashes on takeoff
Colombian Military Plane Crash Claims 69 Lives During Takeoff
A Colombian military transport plane crashed during takeoff in the southern region on Monday, March 23, 2026, resulting in at least 69 fatalities and 57 injuries, according to the country’s armed forces. The C-130 Hercules aircraft shattered upon impact and erupted in flames shortly after descending near Puerto Leguízamo, a town in the Putumayo region that shares a border with Peru.
Casualty Breakdown
The military confirmed that 126 individuals were on board, comprising 113 soldiers, two police officers, and 11 crew members. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, said Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez. He emphasized that there is no evidence of an attack by criminal groups. Sánchez also noted the plane was in airworthy condition and the crew was “duly qualified.”
“The cause of the incident remains under investigation,” stated Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez. “There is no indication of an attack by criminal groups. The plane was in airworthy condition and the crew was ‘duly qualified.’”
Video Evidence and Crash Location
A video geolocated by CNN shows the military plane departing Caucaya Airport and flying over a rural area moments before the crash. The footage suggests the accident occurred within less than two miles of the airport. Images from the crash site depict thick black smoke and flames rising from the wreckage.
Survivors and Rescue Efforts
Nicolas Ordoñez, an indigenous ranger aiding in the search and rescue operations in Leguízamo, reported to CNN that several survivors were taken to a local hospital. Some of the injured soldiers were later flown to Bogotá for treatment. Sánchez extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Government Response and Aircraft Details
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed deep sorrow over the crash, calling it “a tragedy that should never have occurred.” He criticized the lack of modernization in the armed forces, attributing it to “bureaucratic difficulties.”
Flight data indicates the plane was a C-130H Hercules, an older model in the C-130 series that entered service in March 1965, as per Lockheed Martin. The aircraft was donated to the Colombian Air Force by the US Air Force in September 2020. C-130 cargo planes are widely used for their ability to operate in remote and harsh conditions.
Recent Aviation Incidents
This incident marks the latest in a string of fatal plane crashes affecting Colombia in recent months. In late January, an aircraft crashed near Cúcuta in the northeast just nine minutes after takeoff, killing all 126 passengers, including congressman Diógenes Quintero.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Stefano Pozzebon, Avery Schmitz, and Ivonne Valdés contributed to the report.