Bogota, March 24 -- Several people are feared to have lost their lives while dozens are injured after a military plane crashed as it took off from southern Colombia, the New York Times reported, citing authorities.

As per the country's defence minister, Pedro A Sanchez, the tragic accident involving the Hercules aircraft took place as it took off from Puerto Leguizamo while transporting troops.

He expressed profound sorrow and said that while military units are already at the scene of the incident; however, the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined.

Referring to El Tiempo, the largest newspaper in Colombia, the New York Times reported that the aircraft was carrying at least 120 people, as per ...