Colombian President Declares Three Days of Mourning for Victims of Military Plane Crash

Source: Global Times
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According to reporters, on March 24 local time, Colombian President Petro announced through social media a presidential decree declaring a three-day national mourning period for the more than 69 military and police personnel who lost their lives in the Putumayo province plane crash. During this period, public institutions nationwide, military and police bases, as well as Colombian embassies abroad will fly flags at half-mast and hold corresponding military honor ceremonies.

Petro stated that the plane crash resulted in the deaths of over 69 military and police personnel who were carrying out troop transport and supply missions at the time.

On the morning of the 23rd, a Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Leguizamo Port in the southern Putumayo province, with more than 120 people on board. Colombian Defense Minister Sanchez stated via social media that there are currently no signs indicating that the aircraft was attacked, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation. (Reporter Liao Kaidi)

Classification
Region
Latin America
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Casualties & Losses / Military Operations
Subcategory
Civilian Impact
SALUTE Report
Size
over 69 military and police personnel
Activity
national mourning for the victims of the plane crash
Location
Leguizamo · Putumayo · Colombia
Unit
Colombian Armed Forces
Time
March 24, 2023
Equipment
C-130 Hercules transport aircraft
Summary

Colombian President Petro announced three days of national mourning starting March 24, 2023, for over 69 military and police personnel who died in a plane crash in Leguizamo, Putumayo. The C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, carrying over 120 people. Public institutions and military sites will lower flags and conduct honor ceremonies in remembrance of the victims.

Key Facts
  • Colombian President Petro declared three days of national mourning for over 69 military and police personnel who died in a plane crash.
  • The crash involved a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft shortly after takeoff from Leguizamo, Putumayo.
  • There were over 120 people on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
  • The Defense Minister stated there are no indications of an attack on the aircraft, and the cause is under investigation.
  • Public institutions and military sites will lower flags and hold military honor ceremonies during the mourning period.