A devastating air disaster has struck Colombia. At least 66 people lost their lives when a military plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the south of the country, according to a statement released by military authorities.

The aircraft, belonging to the Colombian Air Force, crashed near the town of Puerto Leguízamo in the Putumayo department, an area close to the border with Ecuador. The accident occurred just minutes after the plane took off while on a mission to transport military personnel.

According to initial reports from the military, the victims include 58 soldiers, six air force personnel, and two police officers. Several dozen people were also injured in the accident, some seriously, and were evacuated to medical facilities in the region.

Rescue teams were quickly mobilized at the crash site, located in a difficult-to-access area. Search and rescue operations involved military personnel, rescue workers, and local authorities to assist survivors and recover the bodies of the victims.

The exact causes of the disaster remain unknown at this time. Colombian authorities have announced an investigation to determine the precise circumstances of the accident. Initial hypotheses suggest a possible technical failure that occurred shortly after takeoff, but no theory has been officially confirmed at this stage.



This crash is already considered one of the deadliest military air accidents in the country in recent years. Authorities have expressed their profound sadness at this tragedy and offered their condolences to the victims' families, while the investigation will determine responsibility and the causes of this disaster.