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Military Aircraft Carrying Colombian Soldiers Crashes in Putumayo Region
PUTUMAYO, Colombia – A Hercules military aircraft, reportedly carrying 110 Colombian soldiers, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday in Colombia’s Putumayo region. Rescue efforts are ongoing at the scene, where officials have confirmed that 20 individuals have been found in the aftermath of the incident.
The plane is believed to have been traveling from Puerto Leguizamo to Puerto Asis when the crash occurred mere minutes after it departed. Dramatic video footage circulating on social media shows a towering column of dark grey smoke billowing into the sky as stunned onlookers rushed towards the crash site.
Colonel Zambrano of the Putumayo Police informed local media that several injured individuals were being transported to medical facilities. “There are several injured; they are being evacuated to the health center,” he stated. He also urged the public to avoid speculation until official information is released, out of respect for those affected.
Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those onboard and confirmed that “all protocols” for assisting the victims and their families had been “activated,” alongside a corresponding investigation.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation, and the exact number of casualties remains unknown as authorities continue their work at the crash site.