80 deaths, dozens injured, why did Colombia’s military plane fall just seconds after takeoff? Horrible scene seen in video

Colombia Plane Crash: south-western Colombia A major plane accident occurred on Monday. A military plane carrying 125 people crashed shortly after takeoff. According to officials, at least 66 people died in this accident, while dozens of people were injured.

Local Government Secretary Carlos Claros told RCN TV that 48 people were injured and efforts were being made to take them to safe places. Earlier in the day, officials had confirmed eight deaths. According to news agency Reuters, this plane crashed in the deep area of ​​the southern Amazon region of the country.

What did the Colombian army say?

According to reports, the status of more than 40 people is still unclear. At the same time, Commander of the Colombian Air Force Fernando Silva said in a video message that there were 114 passengers and 11 crew members on board the plane. He also said that the reasons for the accident are being investigated.

How did this accident happen?

According to Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez, the accident occurred when the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft was taking off from Puerto Leguizamo, located near the Peruvian border. In a video going viral on social media, it is shown that this plane carrying soldiers is seen falling rapidly just a few seconds after takeoff. It is being speculated that the plane’s engine has failed. Investigation has been ordered.

At the same time, in another video released by local media BluRadio, thick smoke is seen rising into the sky after the accident. However, these videos could not be independently verified. According to BluRadio, the accident occurred just 3 kilometers away from an urban area of ​​the city.

What did the Colombian President say?

Earlier, in another post on X, President Gustavo Petro expressed his displeasure over the delay in the modernization of the army. He said that his government has been wanting to take the decision to modernize military equipment for a long time, but due to bureaucratic hurdles in the military administration, this work has been stuck for the last one year.

He said that if this decision is not approved, then “civilian or military administrative officials” will have to be removed and no more time will be given. The President also said that the Planning Director and the Defense Minister will have to meet with him and get the Conpes approved, so that the procurement of weapons, especially anti-drone systems, can be started soon. He said this would be a strategic project, which would be funded from future budget provisions.