Anxiety is growing in Colombia following the crash of a military aircraft carrying more than 100 soldiers, sparking fears of a major tragedy.
The plane, a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, reportedly went down shortly after takeoff near Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo province, an isolated area close to the borders with Peru and Ecuador.
Emergency responders have been deployed to the scene as authorities race against time to locate survivors and assess the scale of the disaster.
The country’s Defence Minister Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez Suárez described the incident as tragic, noting that rescue efforts are being complicated by the difficult terrain and limited access to the crash site.
Early reports indicate that about 110 soldiers were on board when the aircraft went down, raising concerns about heavy casualties, although no official figures have been confirmed.
Footage circulating online shows thick smoke billowing from the crash area, with military personnel and rescue teams seen mobilising quickly.
Investigations are already underway to determine what caused the crash, with attention likely to focus on possible mechanical issues, weather conditions, and other operational factors.
The C-130 Hercules is widely used by armed forces around the world for transporting troops and supplies, making the incident particularly alarming given the number of personnel reportedly involved.
The crash has sent shockwaves across Colombia, with officials expressing concern and offering condolences to affected families, while warning that it may take time to fully understand the extent of the situation.
