At least 34 killed in Colombia military plane crash, governor says

At least 34 people were killed on Monday when a Colombian Air Force plane carrying 125 people crashed just after takeoff, the governor of Colombia's Putumayo department said.

The accident occurred as the Lockheed Martin-built Hercules C-130 was taking off from Puerto Leguizamo on the border with Peru as it transported troops, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X.

The plane hit the ground just one and a half kilometres away from where it took off, and ammunition being carried on board detonated as a result of fire on the aircraft, he later said.

There was no indication of an "attack by illegal actors," and the plane was airworthy with a qualified crew ahead of departure, Sanchez added.

Footage from the scene published by local outlet BluRadio showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the wreckage. One video showed the plane heading towards the ground just seconds after takeoff.

Colombian Air Force Commander Fernando Silva said in a video posted on social media that the plane was carrying 114 passengers and 11 crew members, and that authorities were still investigating the cause of the crash.

A spokesperson for Lockheed Martin said the company extended its condolences to those affected by the crash and that it was committed to helping Colombia as it investigates the incident.