Khaberni - Colombian officials reported the crash of a military transport aircraft during its takeoff on Monday, carrying at least 80 people, amid conflicting reports regarding the number of casualties and injuries.
A military source said, about 50 people may have survived the crash of the Hercules aircraft shortly after taking off from Puerto Leguízamo near the southern border with Ecuador.
Earlier, the Colombian military reported the likelihood of about 80 soldiers being killed.
A military source said, members of two battalions (80 soldiers) are believed to have been on board the Hercules aircraft that crashed during takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo, near the southern border with Ecuador.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known, but the official broadcasting authority aired images of a severely damaged and burning aircraft structure.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed "deep sorrow" following the accident.
In a post on social media platforms, he stated that "military units are present at the scene," adding that "the number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been confirmed."
Sanchez continued, "It is a very painful incident for the country. May our prayers bring some comfort."
This is the second incident involving a "C-130 Hercules" model aircraft in South America in less than a month.
A Bolivian military cargo aircraft carrying banknotes crashed during its landing near La Paz on February 27, resulting in at least 24 casualties.
