Colombian Air Force C-130 Crashes After Takeoff, 8 Dead

Colombian Air Force C-130 Crashes After Takeoff, 8 Dead

A Lockheed C-130H Hercules operated by the Fuerza Aeroespacial de Colombia crashed Monday shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo-Caucayá Airport, killing eight people and destroying the aircraft.

The incident occurred approximately 2 kilometers west of the airport during a troop transport mission to Puerto Asis Airport. Officials reported preliminary casualty figures of 73 injured and 43 missing among the occupants, according to the Aviation Safety Network.

Defense Minister Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez stated that exact victim counts and causes remain undetermined as military personnel deploy to the remote Amazon crash site. The aircraft, registered FAC1016, was destroyed by fire following the crash.

President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences over the loss of life, while Air Force Commander Fernando Silva confirmed the aircraft was carrying passengers and crew on the military transport mission.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched a technical and operational investigation into the accident. The Colombian Air Force operates aging C-130H aircraft, with some units serving for decades in challenging operational environments.

The crash site's remote location in Colombia's Amazon region has complicated rescue and investigation efforts, with military personnel working to reach the area and provide assistance to survivors.