A Colombian Air Force plane has crashed in the south of the country, leaving at least eight people dead.
Air force commander Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda confirmed that 114 army personnel were on board, in addition to 11 crew members. A total of 48 individuals were rescued and are currently hospitalized with injuries.
Regional governor Jhon Gabriel Molina reported that more than 80 people were injured during the Monday incident.
The aircraft, a US-made C-130 Hercules used for troop transport, went down near the town of Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo province.
Emergency workers are actively searching through the wreckage for potential survivors in the aftermath of the crash.
The Colombian Defence Minister, Pedro Sánchez, described the incident as a tragic accident that occurred during takeoff while the plane was transporting security forces. He expressed deep sorrow for the losses.
Images surfacing from local media showcased a plume of smoke rising from the crash site, alongside reports of local inhabitants aiding in transporting injured soldiers to hospitals.
President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences and pointed to bureaucratic problems that have delayed the modernization of military equipment as a contributing factor to the incident.
As the investigation into the cause of the crash begins, the focus remains on the safety and support of those affected.
