Colombian Air Force Hercules plane crashes in Putumayo with over 100 soldiers aboard

A Colombian Air Force (FAC) Hercules C-130 aircraft carrying soldiers crashed shortly after taking off from Puerto Leguízamo in southern Colombia on Monday, March 23, 2026. The exact number of victims is undetermined, though initial reports suggest at least 80 or over 100 people were on board.

Key points

• The aircraft was a US-made Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130, which typically has a capacity for about one hundred passengers with their equipment.
• The crash occurred near Puerto Leguízamo, in the Amazonian region of southern Colombia, close to the border with Peru.
• Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the accident and stated that investigation protocols have been activated.
• President Gustavo Petro expressed deep sorrow and mentioned ongoing efforts to modernize the strategic air fleet.

Why it matters

The crash involved a military transport plane carrying a large number of public force members, leading to significant loss of life and prompting reactions from high-level government officials and presidential candidates.