Colombian authorities said Wednesday that the death toll from a military plane crash in the south of the country has climbed to 70, with dozens more injured, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving the armed forces in recent years.
The aircraft went down on Monday shortly after takeoff near the town of Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo Department, close to the border with Peru. Witnesses reported that the plane burst into flames upon impact. A total of 128 people were on board, including 11 crew members.
General Commander of the Colombian Military Forces Hugo Alejandro López Barreto said most of those killed were military personnel, particularly from the army. The victims also included members of the air force and two police officers. Authorities said dozens of survivors are being treated for injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Rescue teams have been working at the crash site in difficult conditions, with remote terrain complicating recovery efforts. Officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash, but the military said there are no signs that the aircraft was brought down by an attack from armed groups operating in the region.
The incident has sparked a political dispute in Colombia. President Gustavo Petro blamed the previous administration of Iván Duque for acquiring what he described as outdated military aircraft. Allies of Duque rejected the claim, saying the purchase complied with defense standards in place at the time and met operational requirements.
Investigators are now examining the wreckage and flight data to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, or other factors may have contributed to the crash. Aviation experts note that early findings are often inconclusive, and a full investigation could take months.
The aircraft involved is believed to be a C-130 Hercules, a widely used military transport plane known for its durability and ability to operate in challenging environments. However, the crash is the second involving a C-130 in South America in less than a month, raising concerns among aviation authorities.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences across Colombia, with officials paying tribute to the victims and their families. Military institutions have begun internal reviews while continuing support operations for those affected.
As the country mourns, attention is turning to the findings of the investigation, which are expected to play a key role in addressing safety concerns and preventing similar incidents in the future.
