Colombian C-130 Crash: 71 Survive, Search Ongoing

0:00It's March 23rd. Welcome to Global News Today, powered by AI and Connected Worldwide. A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane crashed Monday near Porto Legizamo and Putemayo Province, close to the Peru border. The aircraft was carrying around 80 soldiers from two platoons, though some reports suggest the number might top 100. It went down right after takeoff in a rural area. Two teams rushed to the scene, and military sources report that 71 people have been pulled alive from the wreckage. Emergency workers are still combing the site amid reports of smoke rising from the crash. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez called it a tragic accident while transporting security forces troops, saying the exact victim count remains unclear. But it's deeply sad for the nation. President Gustavo Petro expressed hope for no fatalities and pointed to bureaucratic delays in updating the military's aging aircraft fleet. Locals stepped in the help, using motorbikes to ferry injured soldiers to nearby hospitals.

1:03Just last month, a similar Bolivian Air Force C-130 crash killed at least 20 people, highlighting risks with these older planes. Effors to account for everyone continue as officials work to prevent further tragedies like this one.