Tragic Plane Crash in Colombia Claims Lives of Soldiers

A devastating plane crash in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, has left at least 66 soldiers dead and many others injured. The military transport aircraft, carrying 128 individuals, encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff. Authorities are investigating the cause, with no evidence suggesting an attack by armed groups. The local community has rallied to assist the victims, while military officials express their condolences. This tragic incident highlights the risks faced by military personnel during operations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 11:52 IST

Military Aircraft Disaster in Puerto Leguizamo

Bogota, March 24: A military transport aircraft carrying 128 individuals, primarily soldiers, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, resulting in at least 66 fatalities and numerous injuries.

General Hugo Alejandro Lopez Barreto, the head of Colombia's armed forces, reported that four military personnel remain unaccounted for.

He expressed sorrow over the loss, stating, "Unfortunately, this tragic incident has claimed the lives of 66 of our military personnel. Currently, we have no evidence or indications suggesting an attack by illegal armed groups."

The aircraft's passengers included 115 Army members, 11 crew members, and 2 from the National Police. Barreto confirmed that 57 individuals were successfully evacuated.

In a social media video, Deputy Mayor Carlos Claros mentioned that the remains of the deceased were transported to the local morgue, while the town's two clinics treated the injured before transferring them to larger medical facilities.

Claros expressed gratitude towards the residents of Puerto Leguizamo for their assistance to the victims of the crash during an interview with a Colombian television station.

Puerto Leguizamo is situated in Putumayo, an Amazonian region bordering Ecuador and Peru.

Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez stated on social media that the ill-fated plane was en route to another city within Putumayo.

He also noted that there were no indications of an attack by nearby rebel groups.

Sanchez described the incident as "deeply painful for the nation," adding, "We hope our prayers can provide some comfort during this difficult time."

Images circulated by Colombian media depicted a plume of black smoke rising from the crash site, along with soldiers rushing to the scene in a truck.

Videos showed local residents transporting injured soldiers on motorcycles, while others attempted to extinguish the fire ignited by the crash amidst dense vegetation.

Carlos Fernando Silva, commander of Colombia's Air Force, stated that the specifics of the crash remain unclear, except that the aircraft encountered issues and went down approximately 2 kilometers from the airport.

He added that two aircraft equipped with 74 beds were dispatched to the area to transport the injured to hospitals in Bogota and other locations.

Erich Saumeth, a Colombian aviation expert and military analyst, revealed that the Hercules C-130 involved in the crash was donated by the United States to Colombia in 2020. It underwent a comprehensive overhaul three years later, which included engine inspections and replacement of critical components.

Saumeth remarked, "I don't believe this aircraft crashed due to a lack of quality parts."