82 Feared Dead in US and Colombia Aircraft Crashes

At least 82 individuals are feared dead following two separate aircraft crashes in the United States and Colombia. The first incident involved an Air Canada flight from LaGuardia Airport, New York, which was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members when it crashed.

Michael Rousseau, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those affected. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, a Colombian military transport aircraft, identified as a U.S.-made C-130 Hercules, crashed near Puerto Leguizamo in Putumayo Province, reportedly carrying around 80 soldiers. Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as tragic, occurring shortly after takeoff.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed hope that the crash would not result in fatalities and criticized bureaucratic delays that hinder military modernization efforts. Rescue operations are ongoing, with local media reporting that the number of casualties may exceed 100.