Bogota: A military plane carrying 110 military soldiers onboard crashed near the border with Peru, in the southern part of the country, Colombia’s defence ministry said on Monday. Authorities are yet to ascertain the cause of the incident.
As per news agency Reuters, the Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 plane took off from Puerto Leguizamo, in the southern Amazon region of Colombia, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said while informing of the incident.
Exact number of victims yet to be determined
He added, “The exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined. The plane suffered a tragic accident while it was taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, transporting troops of our security forces.”
Sharing details, officials said that as many as 110 soldiers were on board when the accident took place. The plane was just 3 kilometres from an urban centre, the agency report said, quoting BluRadio. Talking about the incident, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said, “I hope there are no fatalities in this horrific accident that should never have happened.”
“Military units are already at the scene of the incident; however, the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined. All care protocols for the victims and their families have been activated, as well as the corresponding investigation,” the defence minister added.
Express sincere condolences to the families of those affected: Defence Minister
He further said, “I express my most sincere condolences to the families of those affected and, in respect for their pain, I call for avoiding speculation until official information is available. It is a deeply painful event for the country. May our prayers accompany and, to some extent, alleviate the sorrow”.