In Colombia, a military plane with hundreds of soldiers on board crashed

Today, 10:00

According to preliminary reports, the plane crash was caused by pilot error.

A Hercules C-130 military transport aircraft belonging to the Colombian Air Force has crashed in the south of the country. Eyewitnesses and media reports have confirmed the crash, and Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the information. Sánchez stated that the exact number of victims and the cause of the crash have not yet been determined. Military personnel are already at the crash site, dealing with the aftermath.

"It is with deep sorrow that I inform you that a Hercules aircraft suffered a tragic accident during takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo (Putumayo), transporting members of our security forces," he wrote.

Caracol television reports that the probable cause of the crash was a difficulty maneuvering, and the aircraft failed to reach the required altitude, which led to the crash. It was also reported that FAC 1016 Hercules, which was carrying troops from the 27th Brigade as part of a troop rotation in the region, crashed. According to the channel, there were 11 crew members and 114 troops on board. This information has not been officially confirmed. However, other media reports corroborate the Caracol channel's report, stating that two platoons of troops were on board.

According to preliminary reports, not all the troops on board were killed. At least 20 people survived, according to media reports, citing official government data.