A Colombian Air Force plane has crashed in the south of the country, leaving at least eight people dead. Air force commander Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda stated that 114 army personnel were on board, alongside 11 crew members. According to reports, 48 individuals have been rescued from the wreckage, suffering from various injuries and in need of hospital care.
Regional authorities confirmed the fatalities and noted that more than 80 others were injured. The crash occurred near the town of Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo province, where emergency workers were dispatched to search for survivors amid the rubble.
The C-130 Hercules, a military aircraft designed for troop transport, experienced the incident during its ascent. Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez described the event as a "tragic accident" that has deeply saddened the nation, especially given its proximity to the Peru border.
Local media captured images of smoke rising from the scene and reported volunteers assisting in the transport of injured personnel to hospitals via motorcycle.
In a statement on social media, President Gustavo Petro expressed his sorrow over the accident, criticizing bureaucratic delays that hindered the modernization of military equipment. He vowed to expedite necessary improvements to prevent future tragedies.
As investigations commence, the focus remains on uncovering the factors that led to this devastating incident.
Regional authorities confirmed the fatalities and noted that more than 80 others were injured. The crash occurred near the town of Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo province, where emergency workers were dispatched to search for survivors amid the rubble.
The C-130 Hercules, a military aircraft designed for troop transport, experienced the incident during its ascent. Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez described the event as a "tragic accident" that has deeply saddened the nation, especially given its proximity to the Peru border.
Local media captured images of smoke rising from the scene and reported volunteers assisting in the transport of injured personnel to hospitals via motorcycle.
In a statement on social media, President Gustavo Petro expressed his sorrow over the accident, criticizing bureaucratic delays that hindered the modernization of military equipment. He vowed to expedite necessary improvements to prevent future tragedies.
As investigations commence, the focus remains on uncovering the factors that led to this devastating incident.
