Military Transport Plane Crash in Remote Colombian Amazon Kills 66, Dozens Injured

The remote Amazon region of Colombia, near Puerto Leguizamo, is plunged into deep mourning following the crash of a military transport aircraft. At least 66 people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured after the plane, carrying 128 people, crashed shortly after takeoff.

The Commander of the Colombian Armed Forces, Hugo Alejandro López Barreto, confirmed that 66 soldiers lost their lives in the accident. According to him, four soldiers are still missing. "This is an extremely tragic event that has caused great loss to our military," he stated.

He clarified, based on preliminary investigations, that the incident does not appear to be the result of an attack by any armed group.

The crash site is located in Puerto Leguizamo, Putumayo province. This is a remote Amazonian area bordering Ecuador and Peru. Local Deputy Mayor Carlos Claros stated that the bodies of the deceased have been kept in the morgue of the small town, and due to limited health infrastructure, the injured were sent to larger cities after receiving primary treatment. He expressed gratitude for the active assistance provided by local residents in the rescue efforts.

Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez informed that the crashed aircraft was transporting troops to another area in Putumayo. The plane was carrying 115 soldiers, 11 crew members, and two members of the National Police. It was reported that 57 people were rescued alive following the accident.