Plane carrying 100 soldiers crashes in Colombia, many feared dead

Updated: 23-03-2026, 05.34 PM

What is the news?

A military plane crashed in Colombia on Monday. There were about 100 soldiers on board this plane, due to which a large number of people are feared to be casualties. Colombia’s Defense Ministry said a Hercules C-130 plane from Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) crashed in the southern part of the country. The plane caught fire after the accident. The teams that reached the spot started relief and rescue operations.

How did this accident happen?

local media outlets blueradio According to the report, the accident occurred when the Hercules C-130 aircraft of the country’s Air Force was taking off from Puerto Leguizamo, located on the border of Peru in the southern Amazon region, and was carrying about 110 soldiers of the armed forces. public broadcaster RCN has circulated photos of badly damaged plane wreckage engulfed in flames in a forest, which is likely to lead to more deaths.

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BREAKING: Colombian military plane believed to be carrying approximately 100 people crashes in Puerto Leguízamo, defense minister says. pic.twitter.com/pNWy3TP8Z0

— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) March 23, 2026

What statement did the Defense Minister issue?

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said in an official statement, “It is with deep sadness that we have to inform that a Hercules aircraft of our Colombian Air Force crashed during take-off. The exact number of victims and the cause of the accident are not yet known.” He said, “Military teams have immediately reached the spot, but the cause of the accident has not been confirmed yet. At present, relief and rescue operations are going on.”

Investigation into the accident has been started

Sanchez said that the government has started arranging all necessary assistance and care for the victims and their families. Along with this, investigation into the accident has also been started. Only after the report comes, something can be said regarding the reasons. Meanwhile, aircraft manufacturer American defense company Lockheed Martin has not yet commented on this accident. The situation at the spot is very tense.