El Alto: At least 15 people have been killed and dozens injured after a Bolivian military cargo plane crashed while landing in the western city of El Alto.
The aircraft, operated by the Bolivian Air Force, went down at approximately 18:15 local time on February 27 as it approached El Alto International Airport from the eastern city of Santa Cruz. Aviation officials said the plane skidded off the runway before slamming into nearby vehicles.
Bolivia’s Defence Ministry later confirmed the aircraft was a C-130 Hercules transporting banknotes destined for the Central Bank of Bolivia. According to Air Force Commander Sergio Lora, eight crew members, including flight and cargo personnel, were on board.
Chaos at crash site
Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered at the crash scene, some allegedly attempting to collect scattered banknotes from the wreckage. Video footage circulating online showed damaged vehicles, civilians fleeing tear gas, and confrontations between police and bystanders.
The National Association of Journalists of Bolivia said reporters covering the tragedy were attacked by individuals trying to steal the money.
The Bolivian News Agency reported that at least a dozen people had been arrested for theft. Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas warned that the banknotes had no legal value because they had not yet been issued by the central bank and lacked serial numbers.
Bolivia’s Health Ministry reported that 31 people were injured, including civilians on the ground, and issued an urgent appeal for blood donations. Witnesses described scenes of panic as debris struck passing vehicles.
Airport closure and investigation
El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed following the crash. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause, with early witness reports pointing to treacherous weather conditions during the landing attempt.
The tragedy has shocked the nation of Bolivia, as officials continue rescue operations and assess the full extent of the damage. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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