At least 66 killed in a military plane crash in Colombia

66 people were killed and dozens injured when a military plane carrying 125 people crashed during take-off in southern Colombia, according to a toll reported by a military source.

A C-130 Hercules helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from Puerto Leguizamo in Potoyamo province near the southern border with Ecuador, with 125 people on board. The authorities have opened an investigation into the causes of the accident.

According to the military source, the incident caused the deaths of 58 soldiers, six air force personnel, and two policemen.

This accident is among the most fatal in the modern history of the Colombian Air Force.

Video clips broadcast by local media showed flames continuing to burn in the wreckage of the plane while rescuers were trying to find survivors.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his regret over “a terrible incident that should not have happened,” speaking about the need to modernize the military fleet, without specifying whether this had any connection to the incident.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed “deep sadness” following the incident. He said in a post on social media platforms that “military units are present at the scene of the accident,” adding that “the causes of the crash have not yet been confirmed,” but “there is no indication of an attack by illegal parties.”

He explained on the “X” platform that “as a result of the plane’s burning, some of the ammunition that the forces were carrying exploded.” Adding: “This is consistent with what we hear in some video clips circulating on social media.”

The volatile border region has witnessed intense military activity in recent weeks, as the Colombian and Ecuadorian armies attempt to confront drug trafficking gangs and militias.

This is the second accident involving a C-130 Hercules aircraft in South America in less than a month. A Bolivian military cargo plane crashed on February 27, killing at least 24 people.

The C-130 Hercules is an aircraft produced by the American company Lockheed Martin. It is known for its operational ability from unpaved runways. It is widely used by armies around the world and can transport troops and vehicles.