Tragedy struck near Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, when a military cargo aircraft carrying a large consignment of banknotes crashed during its landing approach, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 individuals. The incident occurred on Friday at El Alto International Airport, a key aviation hub serving the city. Eyewitnesses and emergency responders described chaotic scenes as the plane veered off the runway and collided with vehicles on a nearby avenue, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The aircraft involved was a C-130 Hercules, a robust transport plane manufactured by Lockheed Martin, widely used by military forces around the world for cargo and troop transport. Local media captured harrowing footage showing the wreckage strewn across the road, with mangled parts of the plane scattered amid damaged cars and trucks. The crash not only caused significant property damage but also sparked a frantic rush among bystanders attempting to seize the scattered banknotes that spilled from the aircraft’s cargo hold.
Authorities were forced to intervene swiftly as crowds swarmed the crash site, trying to grab the cash amid the confusion. Police deployed tear gas to disperse the looters and restore order. In a dramatic turn, officials later gathered the recovered money and set it ablaze in a bonfire at the scene, emphasizing that the currency had no legal value. The Bolivian Defense Ministry clarified that the banknotes aboard the plane lacked official serial numbers, rendering them invalid and illegal to possess or use, and warned that any attempt to keep such money would be considered a criminal offense.
Initial investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing, but witnesses described adverse weather conditions at the time of the accident. Cristina Choque, a 60-year-old street vendor whose vehicle was struck by debris from the plane, recounted the harrowing moments. She said a severe hailstorm accompanied by lightning was occurring when the plane lost control. The tire of the aircraft fell onto her car, injuring her daughter with a head wound. Such extreme weather likely contributed to the pilot’s difficulty in safely landing the aircraft.
Emergency services responded promptly, with the National Fire Department and police working to recover victims and secure the area. Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the homicide division in El Alto, confirmed that the death toll stood at approximately 20, with the possibility of additional casualties. Earlier, Colonel Pavel Tovar of the fire department had reported between 15 and 16 fatalities. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health reported that at least 28 people sustained injuries, some critically, and hospitals in El Alto initiated blood donation drives to aid the treatment of the wounded.
The crash’s impact extended beyond the airport perimeter, as the plane’s collision with vehicles on a busy avenue caused further casualties and property damage. The Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports authority (NAABOL) announced the suspension of operations at El Alto International Airport following the disaster. The ill-fated flight had originated from Santa Cruz, a major city in eastern Bolivia, before attempting to land near La Paz.
In the aftermath, law enforcement agencies also dealt with a surge in criminal activity exploiting the chaotic situation. The La Paz Prosecutor’s Office reported that several businesses in the vicinity were targeted by opportunistic thieves amid the confusion. Authorities have detained twelve individuals for questioning in connection with looting and other offenses. Meanwhile, Choque and her family remained trapped inside their damaged vehicle, fearful of the unruly crowds that had gathered at the crash site.
La Paz, situated at an elevation of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level and encircled by the towering Andes mountains, holds the distinction of being the highest administrative capital in the world. This unique geography often presents challenges for aviation, especially during adverse weather conditions. The tragic crash serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by pilots operating in such demanding environments.
The Bolivian Ministry of Defense has pledged a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash, aiming to uncover the precise factors that caused the aircraft to lose control during landing. As the nation mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath, emergency services continue their efforts to assist survivors and restore order in the affected areas.
