Colombian Air Force plane crashes on takeoff near Puerto Leguizamo, casualties feared

Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed “deep sorrow” as he confirmed that a Hercules aircraft went down near Puerto Leguizamo, close to the country’s southern border with Ecuador.

State broadcaster RCN aired visuals showing a severely damaged fuselage engulfed in flames in a forested area.

The Hercules transport plane is typically capable of carrying around 100 personnel, fuelling concerns over the scale of the tragedy.

“Military units are already at the scene. However, the number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been confirmed,” Sanchez said in a statement posted on social media.

Calling it “a deeply painful event for the country,” the minister added, “May our prayers bring some measure of comfort.”

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, while rescue and recovery efforts remain underway.