At Least 66 People Killed as Plane Crashes in Amazon Moments After Take-Off

A deadly military plane crash deep in the Amazon has left dozens dead and many more injured in a tragedy that unfolded just moments after takeoff.

Officials say at least 66 people were killed when a Colombian military aircraft went down shortly after departing from Puerto Leguizamo, a remote area in southern Colombia near the Peru border. There were 128 people on board, most of them soldiers.

The plane, a U.S.-made C-130 Hercules, reportedly began descending shortly after takeoff before crashing into dense jungle terrain.

Dramatic video from the scene shows the wreckage engulfed in flames as rescue crews rushed in, searching through debris for survivors.

Authorities confirmed the passengers included 115 members of the Colombian army, along with crew members and police personnel. Several people were still unaccounted for as search efforts continued.

Officials say there is no indication the crash was caused by an attack, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

Colombia’s president called the disaster “horrendous” and suggested delays in modernizing military aircraft may have played a role, raising serious questions about equipment safety.

The C-130 Hercules has been widely used by militaries around the world for decades, including by the U.S., and Colombia has operated the aircraft since the late 1960s.

Survivors were rushed to nearby medical facilities before being airlifted to larger hospitals for treatment.