Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia — A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on March 23, 2026, when a Colombian military transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in at least 66 deaths among the 128 people on board. This incident marks one of the most severe air tragedies in Colombia’s recent history, with ongoing searches for four soldiers still unaccounted for.
The Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 went down moments after departing the small town located in the Amazon region, near the border with Peru. According to official sources, the casualties include 58 National Army personnel, six members of the air force, and two police officers. Rescue efforts are hampered by the challenging terrain typical of this remote region, where local residents rushed to assist those injured in the aftermath.
Initial reports from Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez indicate that the aircraft crashed just 1.5 kilometers from the runway. On impact, onboard ammunition detonated, exacerbating the situation with flames engulfing the plane. Eyewitnesses noted that the C-130 appeared to collide with a tree as it fell, leading to a chaotic scene filled with thick smoke and desperation.
As emergency efforts unfolded, military personnel worked diligently to free those trapped in the wreckage, with 57 individuals rescued and a solitary survivor emerging unharmed. Many of the injured were quickly transported via motorcycle to clinics in the area before military helicopters arrived to facilitate their evacuation to hospitals in Bogotá and other major cities.
Deputy Mayor Carlos Claros expressed gratitude toward local residents for their rapid response, calling attention to the community’s significant role in initial rescue operations. In light of the situation, the deceased were transported to the limited morgue facilities available in Puerto Leguizamo, while the injured faced airlifts for further medical care.
The Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, categorically labeled the incident a “tragic accident,” addressing concerns over the aging fleet’s safety. He emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest foul play or attack by insurgent forces active in the area. The plane was reportedly fit for flight, and the crew sufficiently trained, according to Sánchez.
Amidst the national tragedy, President Petro has faced criticism for allegedly undermining military operational readiness during his time in office. He connected the accident to systemic issues within Colombia’s military, stating that “if civilian or military administrative officials are not up to the challenge, they must be removed.” Detractors pointed to budget cuts leading to reduced flight hours and less experienced flight crews.
This crash comes as Petro nears the end of his presidential term, which will not be renewed due to legal constraints. The impending elections on May 31 have incited calls for a thorough investigation into the disaster, while candidates express condolences for the lives lost.
The C-130H Hercules involved in the crash was first introduced more than five decades ago and was transferred to the Colombian Air Force by the U.S. Air Force in 2020. It underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2023, suggesting ongoing reliance on older military aircraft amidst evolving operational needs.
Lockheed Martin has stated its commitment to support Colombia in investigating the incident. This disaster is notably the second significant C-130 accident in South America within weeks, following a plane operated by the Bolivian Air Force that crashed on February 27, killing over 20 people.
The daunting geographic and logistical challenges faced during the rescue highlight the need for improvements in Colombia’s military infrastructure and response capabilities as officials continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this devastating crash. Investigators remain focused on analyzing flight data, wreckage, and witness accounts to determine the cause of this tragic event.