A Colombian military transport plane crashed near Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, shortly after takeoff on March 23, 2026, killing at least 66 people and injuring dozens. The aircraft, a U.S.-donated C-130 Hercules, carried 128 people-mostly soldiers, crew, and police officers.
General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto confirmed 66 fatalities, with four personnel still missing. Authorities found no evidence of an attack by armed groups. The plane reportedly developed issues shortly after takeoff and crashed two kilometers from the airport.
Emergency crews and local residents rushed to assist survivors. Two medical evacuation planes were dispatched to transport the injured to hospitals in Bogotá.
President Gustavo Petro used the tragedy to push for military modernization, blaming bureaucratic delays. Critics note reduced flight hours under his administration due to budget cuts.
Aviation expert Erich Saumeth said the plane had undergone a full overhaul in 2023 and was not lacking in parts. Investigations will determine why the engines failed so rapidly after liftoff.