24.03.2026 06:50
The number of fatalities in the military transport plane crash in southern Colombia has risen to 34, while the number of injured has been reported as 73. Putumayo Governor Jhon Gabriel Molina Acosta stated that many of the injured are still in critical condition, while the accident that shook the country has led to a significant "negligence" debate between the opposition and the government.
The number of people who lost their lives after a military transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff in southern Colombia yesterday has risen to 34.
Putumayo Governor Jhon Gabriel Molina Acosta stated in a press release that the number of fatalities in the plane crash has increased to 34, and the number of identified injured is 73.
"I DO NOT YET HAVE A LIST OF NAMES"
Molina Acosta, who noted that the debris removal operations have been completed, said, "We do not yet have a list of names, but I can confirm that 2 of the deceased are police officers, while the rest are military personnel. All the injured have been successfully evacuated from the crash site."
Molina Acosta added that there are many individuals whose identities have not yet been determined and that many of the injured are still in critical condition.
THE OPPOSITION AND THE GOVERNMENT CLASHED
The plane crash in Colombia has turned into mutual accusations between the government and the opposition. In response to the opposition's criticisms of "negligence," President Gustavo Petro pointed to the Congressional structure that obstructs the defense budget, arguing that the responsibility for the accident lies with the opposition. According to Colombian media, the prosecutor's office has launched a wide-ranging investigation into the accident.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The C-130H Hercules transport plane with registration number FAC-10016, belonging to the Colombian Air Force, crashed yesterday near the town of Puerto Leguizamo in the Putumayo administrative region.
The accident occurred shortly after the military support plane took off, approximately 3 kilometers away from the settlement.
Images shared on social media showed black smoke and flames rising from the area where the transport plane had crashed.