Colombia(The COW news Digital)A military aircraft carrying 125 passengers crashed in Colombia on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 34 people, while 14 others remain missing, authorities confirmed. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff in the Putumayo region, sparking a large-scale rescue operation.
According to official reports, the aircraft was a C-130 model, transporting 114 passengers and 11 crew members at the time of the crash. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site, and so far, 77 individuals have been rescued alive and transported to local hospitals for medical care. Several of the survivors sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Colombia’s Defense Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, describing it as a devastating loss for the nation. The regional governor of Putumayo confirmed the fatalities and stated that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro also released a statement on social media, noting that the status of more than 40 passengers was still unclear immediately following the crash. Authorities continue to coordinate search and rescue operations in challenging terrain to locate missing individuals.
The Colombian Air Force has confirmed that a full investigation has been launched to identify the factors contributing to the accident. Early reports suggest no immediate indication of foul play, but aviation authorities are examining technical, mechanical, and environmental factors that may have played a role.
Local emergency services, alongside military teams, are working around the clock to secure the area and provide assistance to survivors. Temporary medical centers have been established near the crash site to handle casualties and coordinate logistics for ongoing rescue efforts.
This tragic incident marks one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in recent Colombian history, highlighting the inherent risks associated with air transport in remote and mountainous regions. Authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the crash site to facilitate rescue and investigative operations.
Updates are expected as search teams continue their efforts to recover the remaining missing individuals and as investigators analyze the aircraft’s flight data and black box records to determine the cause of the accident.
