At least eight people died on Monday, March 23, after a Colombian Air Force Hercules C-130 plane crashed in the municipality of Puerto Leguízamo, in the department of Putumayo, in the southwest of the country, according to local press reports. Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez, Colombia's Minister of Defense, expressed his 'deep pain' over the 'tragic accident' via social media. He stated that the aircraft was carrying troops when the crash occurred during takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo. 'This is an event of profound pain for the country,' Sánchez said. He also added, 'May our words accompany and, to some extent, alleviate the pain.' The Defense Minister reported that all protocols for assisting the victims and their families have been activated, as well as the corresponding investigation. He expressed his 'most sincere condolences to the families of those affected' and asked, 'out of respect for their pain, to avoid speculation on the matter until official information is available.' Additionally, there are reports of more than 83 injured.
