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The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed C-130 Hercules operated by the Bolivian Air Force, reportedly skidded off the runway while attempting to land in adverse weather conditions. It then veered onto a busy roadway in El Alto, colliding with several vehicles and causing widespread destruction.
15 dead after Bolivian military aircraft crashes near La Paz
La Paz/El Alto: At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 others injured after a Bolivian military transport aircraft crashed near El Alto International Airport on Friday evening, authorities confirmed.
The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed C-130 Hercules operated by the Bolivian Air Force, reportedly skidded off the runway while attempting to land in adverse weather conditions. It then veered onto a busy roadway in El Alto, colliding with several vehicles and causing widespread destruction.
Officials said the plane had departed from Santa Cruz and was carrying newly printed currency for the Central Bank of Bolivia at the time of the crash. Bundles of freshly printed 20, 50, and 100 boliviano notes were strewn across the crash site, triggering chaotic scenes as bystanders rushed to collect the scattered cash.
Security forces were deployed in large numbers to cordon off the area. Videos circulating on social media showed officers using water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds and prevent looting.
Colombia Air Tragedy: Plane crashes minutes after takeoff; All 15 onboard killed
The Central Bank clarified that the banknotes were not yet in circulation and would not be recognized as legal tender. It added that internal security protocols had been activated following the incident.
Authorities confirmed that those killed include members of the flight crew as well as civilians on the ground. Around a dozen vehicles were damaged when the aircraft ploughed into traffic after leaving the runway. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Ministry of Defense has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary assessments suggest severe weather, including possible hail and icy runway conditions, may have contributed to the accident.
Airport operations at El Alto International Airport were temporarily suspended after the crash. Meanwhile, national carrier Boliviana de Aviación clarified that the aircraft was not part of its fleet.
Investigators are now examining flight data and weather reports as Bolivia confronts one of its deadliest aviation tragedies in recent years.
