A Bolivian military plane crashed Friday near El Alto International Airport, outside La Paz, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens. The aircraft was carrying banknotes, the scattering of which on the ground led to looting and a police response.
According to police, a C-130 Hercules transport plane, arriving from Santa Cruz, missed its landing before crashing into a road near the airport. At least 28 injured people were treated by medical services, which issued an appeal for blood donations. The Bolivian Air Navigation Authority (NAABOL) confirmed the involvement of an Air Force aircraft and announced the temporary suspension of operations at El Alto.
Images broadcast from the scene showed debris from the fuselage scattered in a street, as well as heavily damaged vehicles. President Rodrigo Paz expressed his condolences to the victims' families, calling it "a day of great sorrow." Witnesses described severe weather at the time of the crash, including hail and lightning.
Scattered tickets and tensions on the ground
The plane was carrying banknotes issued by the Central Bank. After the impact, bundles of cash were scattered around the crash site, attracting local residents. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and secure the area. According to the prosecutor's office, nearby businesses were also looted in the chaos. Twelve people were arrested.
The Ministry of Defense clarified that the banknotes in the shipment bore neither numbering nor an official serial number, and were therefore worthless. Collecting or possessing them would constitute an offense, it warned. The crates containing the banknotes were destroyed on site at the request of the authorities.
The exact causes of the accident remain unknown. An inquiry commission has been established to determine the circumstances of the crash.
