Following the March 23, 2026, crash of a Colombian Aerospace Force Hercules plane in Puerto Leguízamo, Putumayo, which killed 69 uniformed personnel, President Gustavo Petro declared three days of national mourning. Flags are at half-mast in public entities, with military honors nationwide and similar measures by regional authorities.
The crash occurred seconds after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo airport during an official operation carrying members of the Army, National Police, and Aerospace Force. President Petro formalized the mourning via decree 0295 on March 24, announced on his X account, emphasizing honor for those defending national security. The Ministry of Defense is coordinating protocols, including flags at half-mast in public entities, military installations, and Colombian embassies abroad.
In response, the government convened a meeting with Defense and National Planning officials to evaluate the incident and advance a Conpes document for modernizing equipment, acquiring technology, helicopters, and transport planes for remote operations.
Local residents in Puerto Leguízamo showed immediate solidarity, forming human chains to fight the fire with buckets and hoses, and transporting injured victims to hospitals by motorcycle.
Regionally, Valle del Cauca's governorship declared two days of mourning, with Governor Dilian Francisca Toro expressing support for the Public Force and families. Cali's mayor, Alejandro Eder, announced three days of mourning in the city, connected to the Marco Fidel Suárez Aviation School, and initiated checks for local victims.
