Image: from JAS X @JasADRxquisites
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies March 23, 2026
PUERTO LEGUIZAMO, Colombia — A dark cloud fell over the Colombian military on Monday morning as a Hercules aircraft carrying two platoons crashed shortly after takeoff, strewing burning wreckage across the dense jungle floor of the nation’s southern border region.
The aircraft, belonging to the Colombian Air Force, went down near Puerto Leguizamo in the Putumayo department, close to the border with Ecuador. While official figures remain fluid, military sources indicate that as many as 80 personnel may have perished in the disaster.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the tragedy via social media, expressing “deep sorrow” over the loss. “A Hercules aircraft from our Colombian Air Force suffered a tragic accident while transporting troops,” Sanchez stated, adding that all available protocols have been activated to assist victims and their families.
Emergency response teams and military units were immediately deployed to the remote crash site. Early reports from officials on the ground suggest that at least 48 survivors have been located and are receiving medical attention, though the condition of many remains critical.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash is not yet known. The Hercules, a workhorse of the Colombian military used for transporting troops and supplies into rugged terrain, reportedly encountered difficulties moments after departing from the Puerto Leguizamo airfield.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as aviation experts begin the grim task of recovering flight data and examining the debris. Minister Sanchez called for respect for the grieving families, promising a transparent investigation into the technical or environmental factors that led to the downed flight.
A National Loss
The crash represents one of the deadliest aviation incidents for the Colombian Armed Forces in recent years. As the nation awaits a final death toll, flags have been lowered to half-mast at military installations across the country.
The Putumayo region, where the crash occurred, is known for its challenging weather and dense canopy, factors that are expected to complicate the ongoing recovery operation throughout the week.