20 Killed as Bolivian Military Cargo Plane Carrying Money Crashes Near La Paz
At least 20 people have been confirmed dead after a Bolivian military cargo plane transporting a substantial amount of money crashed during landing near La Paz, authorities reported on Friday. The incident, which occurred at El Alto International Airport, has prompted a full investigation by the Ministry of Defence and led to chaotic scenes as bystanders attempted to loot the scattered banknotes.
Chaotic Crash Scene and Fatalities
The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, veered off the runway at El Alto International Airport and collided with a busy avenue, destroying multiple vehicles. Footage from local media showed mangled plane debris strewn across the road, while crowds rushed to collect banknotes scattered by the impact. Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the police homicide division in El Alto, stated, "There are about 20, maybe a few more, casualties." Earlier, Colonel Pavel Tovar of the National Fire Department had reported between 15 and 16 fatalities, adding, "We are recovering the bodies of these people who have sadly suffered in the accident." The Bolivian Health Ministry confirmed at least 28 people were injured, some seriously.
Weather Conditions and Emergency Response
Witnesses reported treacherous weather at the time of the crash, which may have contributed to the disaster. Cristina Choque, a 60-year-old vendor whose car was hit by debris, described the scene: "A heavy hailstorm was falling and there was lightning when the plane went down. The tyre is what fell on top of us... my daughter is injured, she has a head wound." Hospitals in El Alto launched a blood donation campaign to treat the injured, as emergency services worked through the night. The crash caused multiple fatalities not only at the airport but also on the avenue where the plane struck several vehicles. El Alto and La Paz, located at an altitude of 3,650 metres (11,975 feet) and surrounded by Andean peaks, are among the highest urban centres in the world, complicating emergency response efforts.
Authorities Warn Against Looting and Arrest Suspects
The Ministry of Defence announced that the money carried in the aircraft had no official serial numbers and "has no legal or purchasing power," warning that "its collection, possession, or use constitutes a crime." Police used tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to collect the banknotes and later set some of the cash alight at the crash site. Prosecutor Luis Carlos Torres reported that twelve people have been arrested for attempting to seize the money or taking advantage of the chaos to target local businesses.
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
The Ministry of Defence has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. The C-130 Hercules had departed from Santa Cruz and was approaching El Alto when the incident occurred. Airport operations have been suspended pending the investigation, and authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the wreckage. This tragic event highlights the dangers of aviation in high-altitude regions and the challenges of managing emergency situations in such environments.
