Death toll in Colombian military plane crash rises to between 34 and 44

The death toll from the crash of a Colombian Air Force plane in southern Colombia has risen to between 34 and 44, with dozens more injured, according to Colombian media reports.

The Hercules C-130 crashed Monday morning near Puerto Leguízamo, in Colombia’s Putumayo region near the border with Peru, after taking off for Puerto Asís, according to Colombian officials and local media. The plane was carrying Colombian military personnel.

Preliminary reports said the plane went down shortly after takeoff when it failed to gain enough altitude and crashed a few kilometers from the airport, according to Caracol Noticias. The plane was carrying 114 passengers and 11 crew members.

El Colombiano reported that the latest official toll put the number of dead at between 34 and 44 and the number of injured at between 36 and 70. The outlet said 15 of the injured were in critical condition and were being taken to medical centers in the region.

Earlier witness video cited by BNO News appeared to show the aircraft struggling to climb before losing altitude, while footage from the scene showed a large fire consuming much of the plane.

Defense Minister Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez said the aircraft had been in airworthy condition and that the crew was properly qualified. He also said there was no indication the crash was linked to an attack by illegal armed groups.

Sánchez said the explosion after the crash was caused by munitions being transported on the plane for the troops’ mission. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.