A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Putumayo province on Monday, killing at least 66 of the 125 people aboard. The incident, one of the deadliest military aviation disasters in recent years, has prompted a swift response from rescue teams and government officials.
Local authorities confirmed the death toll early Tuesday, emphasizing that search operations continue for survivors. Preliminary reports rule out an external attack as the cause, though investigators are still analyzing flight data and wreckage to determine technical or human factors behind the crash.
The C-130, a widely used aircraft for military and humanitarian missions, was reportedly transporting personnel and supplies. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences, calling the crash "a profound national tragedy." The incident underscores ongoing challenges in aviation safety across conflict-prone regions.
