At least 66 people killed in military plane crash in Colombia

At least 66 people have been killed in a military plane crash in the South American country of Colombia, according to the country's armed forces chief. Colombian Air Force Commander Fernando Silva said in a video shared on X that the Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 aircraft was carrying 114 passengers and 11 crew members. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Defense Minister Pedro Áñez Sánchez has expressed regret over the incident.

This information was provided in a report by Sky News. According to the report, Defense Minister Pedro Áñez Sánchez expressed deep condolences to the affected families and urged people to refrain from speculations until official information is available. It is reported that Colombia started purchasing C-130 aircraft in the 1960s.

President Gustavo Petro criticized those who were hindering his plans to modernize the military. Petro said on X, "I will no longer tolerate delays. The lives of our young people are at stake. If civilian or military personnel fail to meet this challenge, they should be removed from their posts."

Authorities said the plane took off from an airport in the interior of Colombia's southern Amazon region. The airport is located on the border with Peru. According to local Blue Radio, the incident occurred just two miles from a busy urban center.

The aircraft is used by militaries around the world and was first introduced in the 1950s. Colombia acquired its first version in the late 1960s. Last month, a Bolivian Air Force C-130 plane crashed in the city of Alto, killing 20 people. This is the second plane crash in Colombia this year. In January, a small passenger plane crashed in the country's northern region, killing all 15 people on board.