At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 injured when a Bolivian Air Force Hercules C-130 military cargo plane crashed near El Alto International Airport on Friday, veering off the runway and onto a busy highway where it collided with vehicles.
The aircraft was transporting newly printed Bolivian banknotes from the Central Bank, picked up in Santa Cruz and destined for La Paz. Upon impact, large quantities of the bills scattered across the crash site and surrounding area. Social media footage showed crowds rushing to collect the scattered currency, prompting police in riot gear to intervene with tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. Central Bank President David Espinoza clarified that the banknotes lacked serial numbers and had not yet entered circulation, rendering them without legal tender value.
Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas reported that the plane "landed and veered off the runway" before ending up in a nearby field and avenue, damaging at least 15 vehicles. Firefighters extinguished flames engulfing the wreckage. Bolivian Air Force Gen. Sergio Lora noted that of the six crew members, two remained unaccounted for late Friday, while the cause of the accident—possibly linked to icy runway conditions from recent hail—was under investigation.
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Fire Chief Pavel Tovar confirmed the death toll of at least 15 but did not specify whether fatalities occurred among crew, passengers (if any), or people in the impacted vehicles on the highway. Authorities temporarily suspended flights to and from the airport following the incident.
The crash has drawn significant attention due to the unusual cargo and chaotic aftermath involving attempted looting of the scattered bills. Investigations continue to determine the exact sequence of events and any contributing factors, with the Bolivian government expressing condolences for the victims and committing to a thorough probe.
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