Bolivia Military Plane Crash Kills 15, Scatters Banknotes on Highway
At least fifteen people have been confirmed dead after a military cargo plane loaded with newly printed banknotes crashed on Friday near Bolivia's capital, La Paz. The tragic incident occurred when the aircraft veered off the runway at El Alto International Airport, damaging approximately fifteen vehicles on a nearby highway and scattering its payload of cash across the ground.
Chaos and Response at the Crash Site
Fire Chief Pavel Tovar reported the fatalities but did not specify whether the victims were aboard the plane or on the highway. He also noted that numerous individuals sustained injuries in the crash. In the aftermath, local media footage captured chaotic scenes as people rushed to collect the scattered banknotes, prompting riot police to intervene with teargas to disperse the crowds and secure the area.
The aircraft, identified as a C-130 Hercules transport plane belonging to the Bolivian Air Force, had been transporting new banknotes from the central bank to other cities. According to the Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports Authority (NAABOL), the plane departed from Santa Cruz and crashed during its landing attempt at the international airport in La Paz, leading to a temporary suspension of airport operations.
Investigation and Ongoing Search Efforts
General Sergio Lora of the Bolivian Air Force revealed that as of late Friday, two of the six crew members remained missing, with search efforts ongoing. The ministry of defence has confirmed the crash but has not provided additional details at this time. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames that engulfed the aircraft, which came to rest in a field after skidding along an avenue, leaving behind debris, destroyed cars, and bodies littering the road.
This devastating event highlights the risks associated with military transport operations and has sparked concerns over safety protocols. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash while managing the aftermath and recovery operations.
