BOGOTÁ, Colombia — March 23, 2026 — A Colombian Air Force Hercules transport plane crashed Saturday in the southern department of Putumayo while carrying military personnel, according to early statements from national authorities.
Air Force officials said the aircraft, a C‑130 Hercules assigned to logistical operations near the country’s southern border, went down shortly after departing from the Tres Esquinas air base. The plane was en route to a military post in the remote municipality of Puerto Leguízamo when contact was lost.
Brig. Gen. Carlos Silva, a spokesperson for the Colombian Air Force, confirmed in a televised briefing that troops were on board at the time of the crash. “We can report that the aircraft suffered a catastrophic incident. At this stage, we have no indication of survivors,” he said, noting that recovery teams were still working to reach the crash site, which is located in dense jungle terrain.
Local authorities in Putumayo said residents in rural communities near the Río Caquetá reported hearing a loud explosion mid‑morning. Due to the region’s limited road access and ongoing security concerns linked to armed groups, rescue operations have required coordination with both military helicopters and specialized jungle units.
President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences on social media, calling the crash “a profound tragedy for the nation” and pledging full support for the families of the service members. He also ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the incident.
The Air Force said it would release the names of those on board once families had been notified. Preliminary information suggests the aircraft was carrying both active‑duty personnel and logistical supplies, though officials emphasized that the exact number of passengers has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Aviation analysts note that the C‑130 Hercules, widely used across the world for military transport, has a strong safety record. However, Colombia’s challenging geography — particularly in the Amazon and Andean regions — has historically complicated flight operations, especially in adverse weather.
The crash marks one of the most serious military aviation incidents in Colombia in recent years. Defense Minister Iván Velásquez said an independent technical commission would be appointed to examine flight data, maintenance logs, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
As recovery efforts continue, the government has asked the public to avoid sharing unverified images or speculation circulating on social media, urging respect for the families affected.
Further updates are expected as investigators reach the site and gather more information.
