A Colombian military C-130 Hercules aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after departing from Puerto Leguízamo, situated near the Peru border. The plane, operated by the Colombian Air Force, crashed in a rural area of Putumayo province at approximately 3 kilometers from the urban center.

As military officials reported, the aircraft was on a mission to transport troops when it went down. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the crash site, where thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the wreckage. Inside the plane, 114 passengers and 11 crew members were confirmed to have been on board.

Colombian Air Force Commander Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda stated that 48 individuals were rescued from the wreckage and have been transported to local hospitals for treatment. However, the exact status of the remaining passengers remains uncertain, with President Petro later confirming that at least one person has died in the incident.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez described the occurrence as a tragic event while confirming that the crash happened during the plane's ascent. He promised an investigation and addressed the need for improved equipment and safety measures within the armed forces.

In an emotional message on social media, President Gustavo Petro expressed his hope that fatalities would be limited. He criticized ongoing bureaucratic obstacles that hinder the modernization of military equipment, emphasizing that "the lives of our young people are at stake."

Recent similar incidents—including a crash involving a Bolivian Air Force C-130 in February—highlight concerns regarding the safety of aging military aircraft in South America.

This tragic incident has prompted widespread calls for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and assess the safety of military aviation in the region. The Colombian government faces increasing pressure to modernize its fleet amidst rising safety concerns.