A Colombian military aircraft carrying 125 personnel crashed shortly after takeoff early Monday, leaving at least 66 people dead and several others injured, according to officials. The C-130 Hercules plane went down soon after departing from Puerto Leguizamo, a remote area near Colombia's southern border with Ecuador and Peru.

Casualties and rescue efforts

Initial reports suggested a lower death toll, but figures were later revised as rescue operations progressed. A military source told AFP that 58 soldiers were among those killed, along with six air force personnel and two police officers. Earlier, local government secretary Carlos Claros had told RCN television that 33 people had died, with many others injured and awaiting evacuation.

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Authorities are continuing efforts to treat survivors and transport the injured, though the remote terrain has made rescue operations challenging. Governor Jhon Gabriel Molina highlighted logistical difficulties, saying, "The airport is small and there are several difficulties" hindering the evacuation of bodies and the injured.

Investigation underway

Officials have launched an investigation to determine what caused the crash. Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences, calling it "a deeply painful event for the country" and adding, "It is a deeply painful event for the country. May our prayers bring some measure of comfort."

President Gustavo Petro also addressed the tragedy, sharing footage of the aircraft and describing it as a "horrific accident." He stressed the need to modernise Colombia’s military equipment but did not directly link the crash to the aircraft’s condition.

Crash site and eyewitness accounts

The aircraft crashed into a jungle area, leaving behind burning debris scattered across the ground. Images from the scene showed parts of the wreckage, including the aircraft's tail marked FAC 1016, surrounded by smoke and flames.

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Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion moments before the crash. One local farmer, Noe Mota, described the incident, "I felt an explosion in the air and, when I looked up, the plane was flying close to the house on my plot."

Recent incidents

The crash occurred in a region that has seen intensified military activity due to ongoing operations against drug-running cartels and armed groups. The C-130 Hercules, widely used by militaries worldwide for its ability to operate in difficult conditions, has been involved in another recent incident. Last month, a Bolivian military cargo plane of the same type crashed near La Paz, killing at least 24 people.