Bolivian Military Plane Crash in El Alto Results in Fatalities, Injuries, and Currency Scattering

Bolivian Air Force C-130 Crashes Near El Alto, Fatalities Reported

A Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed on Friday near El Alto International Airport, adjacent to La Paz, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The plane, carrying new banknotes from the Central Bank, skidded off the runway after landing. It subsequently impacted vehicles on a nearby avenue before coming to rest in a field. The incident led to the temporary closure of the airport and prompted an immediate investigation by authorities.

The Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft had departed from Santa Cruz. It was en route to various cities, transporting new banknotes from the country's Central Bank, when the incident occurred in El Alto, near Bolivia's capital, La Paz.

Officials reported that the plane skidded off the runway at El Alto International Airport during its landing. This led to a collision with vehicles on an adjacent avenue. Witnesses at the scene described severe weather conditions at the time of the crash, including lightning and a heavy hailstorm. Firefighters were able to successfully extinguish flames that engulfed the aircraft post-impact.

Initial reports concerning fatalities presented varying figures. Fire Chief Pavel Tovar and the National Fire Department reported between 15 and 16 fatalities. Meanwhile, Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the police homicide division in El Alto, stated approximately 20 casualties.

Bolivia's health ministry confirmed that at least 28 individuals sustained injuries. It was not immediately specified whether the fatalities were occupants of the aircraft, affected vehicles, or bystanders. Of the aircraft's six crew members, two were reported missing as of late Friday.

The crash resulted in damage to at least 15 vehicles on the adjacent avenue. Cristina Choque, a vendor, described how an aircraft tire struck her vehicle, causing a head wound to her daughter.

A significant quantity of the new banknotes being transported by the aircraft became scattered across the crash site. Social media footage and local media depicted numerous individuals attempting to collect the strewn currency.

Authorities quickly intervened to manage the large crowds, with reports indicating the use of water hoses by some local authorities and teargas by police to disperse individuals. Later, authorities were observed burning the collected banknotes at the scene.

The Ministry of Defense issued a critical statement clarifying the status of the currency. The transported banknotes lacked official serial numbers and therefore had no legal or purchasing power. The ministry further declared that collecting, possessing, or using this money constituted a crime.

El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed following the incident, a measure confirmed by the Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports authority (NAABOL). The national airline Boliviana de Aviacion clarified that the involved aircraft was not part of its fleet.

The Ministry of Defense has announced that an investigation into the cause of the crash has been initiated. Bolivia's Central Bank was scheduled to address reporters regarding the specifics of the transported currency.