A Bolivian military cargo plane carrying freshly printed cash crashed near El Alto Airport close to La Paz, killing at least 15 people and injuring several others, according to multiple reports including The Guardian. The Hercules C-130 aircraft, which had departed from Santa Cruz, overran the runway during landing and disintegrated in a nearby field, impacting numerous vehicles on a highway.
The collision caused chaos on the ground as scattered money attracted crowds seeking to seize the banknotes, prompting police and military to intervene and restore order. Lopez Doriga Digital reports the crash affected 15 vehicles and may have been caused by icy runway conditions resulting from earlier hail.
There are conflicting figures regarding the death toll, with Dawn citing as many as 22 fatalities while other sources such as La Jornada and El Financiero confirm 15 dead. Authorities have launched an official investigation to establish the exact cause of the crash and to assess the extent of the physical and financial damage.
The crashed plane was carrying money from Bolivia's Central Bank, though at least one report describes the scattered cash as reportedly having no value. The incident has drawn intense scrutiny as safety protocols for cash transport and runway conditions near La Paz come under examination.
Observers will be watching authorities’ investigation outcomes closely to determine potential responsibility and any necessary improvements in military flight operations and airport safety measures in Bolivia going forward. The ability to securely transport valuable cargo amid challenging environmental conditions remains a focal point in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Banco Central de Bolivia
Pavel Tovar
El Alto
La Paz
Bolivia
