Scores feared lifeless as Colombian navy aircraft crashes

[ad_1] Scores of Colombian troopers are feared lifeless after a navy transport aircraft crashed on takeoff within the south of the nation.

The defence minister, Pedro Sánchez, mentioned the accident occurred because the Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 aircraft was taking off from Puerto Leguízamo , deep in Colombia ’s southern Amazon area, on the border with Peru, because it transported troops from the armed forces.

Maj Gen Carlos Fernando Silva, the chief of the Colombian air pressure, mentioned that the plane was carrying 11 air pressure members and 114 troopers. He mentioned that 48 injured individuals had been rescued however gave no determine for survivors or fatalities.

Gustavo Petro, the Colombian president, described the crash as a “horrific accident that ought to by no means have occurred”.

In a prolonged publish, apparently trying to pre-empt potential criticism, Petro mentioned he had been making an attempt to resume the navy fleet for years however has been hindered by “bureaucratic difficulties”.

“If the civil or navy administrative officers are lower than this problem, they have to be eliminated,” mentioned Petro.

The main candidates for the Colombian presidency – the primary spherical of which is able to happen in late Might, when Petro won't run as there is no such thing as a re-election – additionally posted messages mourning the tragedy and calling for investigations into its causes.

Pictures shared on-line by native media retailers present a black cloud of smoke rising from a subject the place the aircraft crashed, a truck with troopers speeding to the location and civilians making an attempt to extinguish the fireplace.

Sánchez didn't specify the variety of troops who have been onboard the Hercules C-130. He mentioned rescue groups had been despatched to the location of the crash and that the reason for the accident nonetheless had not been decided.

“This occasion is profoundly painful for the nation,” Sánchez wrote. “We hope that our prayers might help to alleviate among the ache.”

The US protection firm Lockheed Martin didn't instantly reply to a request for remark.

On the finish of February, one other Hercules C-130 belonging to the Bolivian air pressure crashed within the populous metropolis of El Alto, barely lacking a residential block, killing greater than 20 individuals and injuring one other 30.