EL ALTO, Bolivia — A Bolivian Air Force (FAB) Hercules C-130 transport aircraft crashed Friday evening in the city of El Alto, leaving at least 15 people dead and sparking chaotic scenes as the plane’s cargo—large sums of cash—was scattered across the crash site.
The accident occurred around 6:00 PM local time near El Alto International Airport. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft overshot the runway or lost altitude shortly after takeoff, crashing onto Costanera Avenue, a high-traffic roadway. The impact destroyed several civilian vehicles, including trucks and public transport vans, and sent a massive column of black smoke over the city.
Chaos Over Scattered Currency
The crash took a surreal turn when it was revealed the military aircraft was transporting new banknotes for the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) to the country’s interior.
Following the impact, social media footage showed hundreds of thousands of banknotes littering the avenue and surrounding wreckage. Local residents and passersby rushed toward the debris to collect the money, significantly hindering emergency responders. Authorities were eventually forced to use water hoses and tear gas to disperse the crowds and secure the area so fire and rescue teams could reach survivors.
Casualties and Investigation
The La Paz Fire Department has confirmed:
- 15 Fatalities: Including crew members and civilians on the ground.
- 30 Injuries: Several individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals with severe burns and trauma.
- Property Damage: Over a dozen vehicles were reportedly crushed or incinerated by the aircraft.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense indicated that inclement weather may have played a critical role. Earlier that afternoon, a heavy hailstorm had left the runway at El Alto—one of the world’s highest international airports—covered in a layer of ice. Investigators are looking into whether the icy conditions prevented the heavy transport plane from braking or maintaining necessary lift.
Official Response
The El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed following the incident, causing widespread flight cancellations. President Andrónico Rodríguez and the Central Bank are expected to release a full statement later today regarding the loss of life and the status of the recovered currency.
