A Colombian Air Force transport aircraft carrying more than 100 personnel, including soldiers, has crashed shortly after takeoff in the country’s southern Amazon region, authorities have confirmed.

The aircraft, a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, went down on Monday near Puerto Leguízamo, close to the border with Peru. The plane was reportedly transporting about 125 people at the time of the incident.

According to sources cited by Reuters, approximately 57 individuals have been rescued alive, while more than 50 others remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue.

Video footage released by local outlet BluRadio showed thick plumes of smoke billowing from the crash site, located roughly 3 kilometres from a nearby urban centre.

Colombia’s Defence Minister, Pedro Anulfo Sánchez, described the incident as a “tragic accident,” adding that the exact number of casualties and the cause of the crash are yet to be determined.

“We hope the prayers of Colombians help ease the pain of the families affected,” he said.

In a statement posted on X, President Gustavo Petro expressed hope that there would be no fatalities, while criticising delays in military modernisation efforts.

“I will grant no further delays; it is the lives of our young people that are at stake,” the president said, warning that officials who fail to meet reform expectations could be removed.

Authorities say investigations are underway as emergency teams continue efforts to locate those still missing.