A Bolivian Air Force Hercules C-130 cargo plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed near the Bolivian capital late Friday, killing at least 22 people and injuring dozens more in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters in years.
The military transport aircraft, bound for El Alto from the eastern city of Santa Cruz, veered off the runway while landing at El Alto International Airport and skidded onto a busy avenue, plowing into vehicles and causing widespread destruction. Recovering the crash site has proved chaotic as emergency crews work amid scattered debris and burned wreckage.
High Fatalities
Police commander Mirko Sokol said Saturday that among the 22 confirmed fatalities were men, women, children and at least one crew member. Another 29 people were injured, many of them struck in vehicles or by debris as the plane lost control. Officials continue to recover remains as forensic teams comb through the wreckage.
The Bolivian Defence Ministry said the aircraft was transporting 18 tons of newly printed banknotes from the country’s central bank when the accident occurred. The bank notes, which were not yet in circulation and lacked official serial numbers, were scattered across the crash area.
Chaos at the Crash Site
Video from the scene showed crowds gathering immediately after the crash, with people attempting to pick up the bills that had spilled onto the road. Security forces initially used tear gas and water hoses to push back onlookers and prevent looting before authorities burned the remaining cash boxes to prevent further disorder.
“We have to be clear — this money has no legal status and is not for public use,” said a government official, urging residents to respect the tragedy and prioritize safety.
Local Disruption and Investigation Underway
El Alto International Airport temporarily suspended flights while investigators examine the causes of the accident, with weather conditions, mechanical issues or a combination of factors being explored. Early witness reports suggested thunderstorms and hail may have contributed to the plane losing control during landing.
President Rodrigo Paz declared the crash a national tragedy, promising a full inquiry and emphasizing better safety procedures for future military transport operations.
The government also reported that dozens of people were detained at the scene for vandalism and attempted thefts as authorities struggled to secure the area.
