A Colombian military transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff Monday, killing all 69 security personnel aboard. Forensic teams are working to identify victims while investigators examine flight recorders to determine what caused the deadly accident.
BOGOTA, Colombia — Medical examiners in Colombia continued their work Wednesday to confirm the identities of 69 military and police personnel who perished when their transport aircraft went down in the nation’s southwestern region, as officials launch a full investigation into what caused the fatal crash.
Outside Bogota’s forensic facility, Alfridis Julio anxiously awaited word about his 19-year-old son, soldier Kaleth Julio Severiche, whose name appeared on the casualty list from Monday’s tragedy in Putomayo province, though his body has yet to be positively identified. The young man had been heading home for family leave when disaster struck.
“My head is spinning. I don’t know what to do but wait,” Julio told The Associated Press.
The military Hercules C-130 transport went down moments after departing Puerto Leguízamo airport at 9:40 a.m. Monday morning. According to Colombia’s Aerospace Force, the aircraft crashed approximately one minute into flight, coming down about 1.8 kilometers from the departure runway.
Community members were first to reach the crash site, capturing video that showed thick black smoke and fire engulfing the wreckage. Several local residents assisted in evacuating survivors to nearby hospitals using motorcycles for transport.
After initial confusion about casualty numbers and passenger counts, the Defense Ministry confirmed Tuesday that 67 military personnel and two police officers died in the incident. All remains were transported to the capital for forensic examination.
The aircraft, designated FAC 1016, came to Colombia through a 2020 U.S. cooperation program that provided three used Hercules planes to the South American nation.
Records show the aircraft underwent comprehensive maintenance in 2023, including engine inspections and replacement of critical systems components.
Colombia’s Air Force has launched a crash investigation, though officials have not announced when findings might be released.
Investigators plan to analyze information from the plane’s dual flight recorders, which contain vital data about the aircraft’s altitude, velocity, and cockpit communications during the final moments.
Right Lane Blocked on Northbound I-95 Beyond Route 896 Exit Until 3 PM
Former MLB Umpire Says Robot Strike Zone Technology Will Humiliate Current Umps
Federal Agency Allows Summer Sales of Higher Ethanol Gas to Combat Rising Prices