general

Colombian Air Force Hercules crashes near Puerto Leguízamo

Mar 23rd 2026 · Colombia

A military transport plane carrying roughly 80 troops came down during takeoff in southern Colombia; rescue operations are under way and casualties have not been confirmed.

  • A Colombian Air Force Hercules transport plane crashed while taking off from Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo province.
  • Military officials say about 80 soldiers were on board the aircraft.
  • The crash site is near the border with Peru and local images show a plume of smoke.
  • Rescue workers and military units have been dispatched to the area.
  • Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said the accident is tragic and the exact number of victims is not yet known.