A Colombian military plane with 110 soldiers on board crashed during takeoff in Puerto Leguízamo near the Ecuador border, raising safety concerns. According to BluRadio, around 110 soldiers were on the flight. The aircraft was a Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130. Military teams have reached the site. There was no immediate response from the US defence company Lockheed Martin about the incident.

This happened just weeks after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules C-130 crashed in El Alto in February, where over 20 people died, and around 30 were injured. Money from the aircraft’s cargo scattered were across the city, causing differences among residents and security forces.

At the same time in the US, a passenger plane hit a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, causing deaths and injuries. Authorities are still investigating both incidents. The airport was temporarily shut after the crash.

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About the Colombia plane crash

Colombia’s Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a X post, "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. Military units are already at the scene of the incident; however, the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined. 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."

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Plane crash at LaGuardia Airport

In a separate incident, two pilots died, and 32 passengers were injured when an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 hit a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport. Authorities said in a statement on X., "The airport will remain closed until at least 2:00pm Monday 3/23/26 to allow for a thorough investigation."

The crash happened during landing. The fire truck was on the runway at the time, reportedly responding to another emergency when the crash happened.

These back-to-back incidents have raised concerns over aviation safety. Authorities in both countries have started investigations on respective cases. Rescue and emergency teams are working at both sites. The aviation industry is being questioned again after these incidents.