BOGOTA: A military transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, killing at least 66 people and injuring dozens, local officials said ؎.
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules was carrying 121 people, including 110 soldiers and 11 crew members, when it went down about two kilometers from the airport on Monday, according to the air force.
Deputy Mayor Carlos Claros said victims’ bodies were taken to the town’s morgue. He added that injured passengers were treated at two local clinics before being airlifted to larger cities.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said the aircraft was transporting troops within Putumayo province.
Officials said they are still verifying the final death toll.
Images from local media showed thick black smoke rising from the crash site, while soldiers and residents rushed to help victims and extinguish the fire.
Air force commander Carlos Fernando Silva said the cause of the crash remains unknown. He added that the aircraft reported a problem before going down.
