Eleven Colombian military personnel killed in plane crash

A Colombian military aircraft crash has killed 12 people, President Juan Manuel Santos said on Friday, blaming the accident on mechanical problems.

“A Casa 235 transport plane with registration FAC 1261 crashed in the zone of Las Palomas, Agustin Codazzi municipality, in Cesar province, with 11 crew aboard”, the air force said in a statement.

EARLIER in the day, President Juan Manuel Santos had announced that 12 people died in the mishap, but officials subsequently revised that figure.

“My heart is heavy with pain for the loss of these heroes who in fulfillment of their constitutional mandate have now flown much higher to join the heavenly squadron alongside the almighty”, Bueno said in brief remarks.

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