A cargo plane transporting newly printed Bolivian banknotes crashed near Bolivia’s capital on Friday, killing at least 15 people and injuring others after veering off the runway and striking vehicles near a major highway, officials said.
The aircraft, a military-operated Hercules C-130, came down in El Alto, the high-altitude city adjoining La Paz. The crash scattered debris and currency across a wide area, drawing large crowds and complicating rescue efforts in the hours that followed.
Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The incident occurred at one of the world’s highest international airports, where challenging weather conditions and altitude can test aircraft performance. Friday’s crash has renewed scrutiny over operational safety at the El Alto terminal, a key gateway serving Bolivia’s administrative capital.
Crash at El Alto Airport
Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas said the plane had been transporting newly printed Bolivian currency and was attempting to land when it “landed and veered off the runway” before ending up in a nearby field.
Firefighters extinguished flames that engulfed the aircraft shortly after impact, preventing the blaze from spreading further. The crash site extended toward a nearby highway, where vehicles were damaged by debris and impact.
Fire chief Pavel Tovar confirmed at least 15 fatalities but did not specify whether those killed were on board the aircraft or in vehicles on the ground. At least a dozen vehicles were damaged, with some reports indicating up to 15 cars were affected.
Images circulating online showed mangled wreckage, destroyed cars and scattered banknotes across the roadway. Officials urged the public not to approach the area as emergency teams worked to secure the scene.
Crew Members Missing
The aircraft belonged to the Bolivian Air Force. Air Force General Sergio Lora said the C-130 had arrived from Santa Cruz, Bolivia’s largest city in the east.
Of the six crew members on board, two remained unaccounted for as of late Friday, Lora said. Search operations continued into the evening.
Authorities did not immediately provide a full passenger manifest or clarify whether any additional personnel were on board.
Crowds Gather as Bills Scatter
As word spread that the aircraft had been carrying currency, hundreds of people rushed toward the crash site after banknotes were scattered across the ground.
According to Tovar, the crowds hampered rescue operations as emergency crews attempted to reach victims and secure the area. Police in riot gear were deployed to disperse people trying to collect the cash.
Official reports said more than 500 soldiers and 100 police officers were mobilized to regain control of the site. Authorities later burned cash containers at the scene in the presence of Central Bank President David Espinoza.
Espinoza said the banknotes “have no legal value because they never entered circulation,” though he did not elaborate on the technical status of the currency. He also declined to specify the total amount being transported.
The Central Bank confirmed that the bills had arrived in Santa Cruz from abroad before being flown to La Paz. It is common for countries to print currency overseas for security and logistical reasons, particularly when introducing new series or replenishing supply.
Flights Suspended, Investigation Underway
Authorities temporarily suspended all flights to and from El Alto’s airport as investigators secured the runway and surrounding area.
The Hercules C-130 is a widely used military transport aircraft designed for heavy cargo operations and is operated globally in both civilian and military roles. Bolivia’s air force uses the aircraft for logistical missions across the country’s mountainous terrain.
Salinas said the government had opened an investigation into the cause of the accident. No immediate indication of mechanical failure or weather-related issues was provided.
Bolivia has experienced aviation incidents in the past, often linked to its complex geography and high-altitude airports. El Alto International Airport sits at more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, where thinner air can affect aircraft lift and engine performance.
Officials said more details would be released once search efforts were complete and preliminary findings were available.
Source: AP News – Cargo plane carrying money crashes near Bolivia’s capital, killing at least 15 people, official says
