Military plane crash in southwestern Colombia kills at least 66 people and injures dozens
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- A Colombian military transport plane, carrying mostly soldiers, crashed near Puerto Leguizamo on Monday, killing at least 66 people and injuring dozens; the victims included members of the air force, National Army, and National Police.
- The Hercules C-130 plane crashed shortly after takeoff with 128 people on board; 57 military personnel were rescued, one soldier was unharmed, and four remain unaccounted for.
- Authorities have found no evidence that the crash was caused by an attack from illegal armed groups operating in the region.
- Rescue efforts involved local clinics and evacuation to larger cities, while the cause of the crash remains undetermined; the incident has been described as a "tragic accident" by Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez.
- President Gustavo Petro used the tragedy to call for modernization of military equipment, criticizing bureaucratic obstacles and suggesting accountability for officials hindering progress.
