Bogotá, Colombia, March 24 – IPU Media International News Update: A tragic aviation disaster has occurred in Colombia. A military aircraft belonging to the country’s Air Force crashed during takeoff. This accident resulted in the deaths of 90 soldiers, while reports indicate that another 20 individuals sustained injuries. There were 110 soldiers on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. The incident took place in the town of Puerto Leguizamo, located near the Peruvian border.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez (Major General Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez) confirmed that a Hercules C-130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force crashed while attempting to take off. He stated that specific details regarding the exact number of fatalities and injuries resulting from this tragedy could not be provided immediately.He added that rescue teams have been dispatched to the crash site and that the situation is currently being monitored. The cause of the accident remains unknown.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his shock over the aircraft crash. Describing it as a grave accident, he expressed his hope that there would be no loss of life. He emphasized that such an incident should never have occurred and reiterated that the safety of the soldiers remains their utmost priority. President Gustavo Petro pledged to enhance military capabilities and provide improved facilities to ensure that similar accidents are prevented in the future. The C-130 is renowned among military transport aircraft worldwide. It is utilized for transporting troops and weaponry. It is capable of air-dropping a payload of 19,000 kilograms at a time. It is also employed for purposes such as medical emergencies, disaster relief operations, and firefighting.

—- M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist.