A Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft carrying newly printed banknotes for the Central Bank of Bolivia crashed in El Alto on Saturday morning, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 30 others. The accident occurred amid reported bad weather conditions when the aircraft skidded off the runway after landing and ploughed onto a nearby busy road. The crash not only resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction but also triggered scenes of chaos as currency notes spilled onto the highway and bystanders rushed to collect them.
Crash aftermath and immediate response
The Bolivia plane crash carrying banknotes unfolded at El Alto International Airport, a key aviation hub near La Paz. According to reports, the Air Force Hercules aircraft was transporting newly printed currency from the Central Bank to other cities when it encountered difficulty during landing. Poor weather conditions reportedly contributed to the aircraft skidding off the runway and crashing onto a roadway adjacent to the airport perimeter.
The impact was severe. Between 10 and 15 vehicles parked along the road were caught in the crash and sustained heavy damage. Debris from the aircraft, shattered vehicles, scattered banknotes, and victims’ bodies were strewn across the highway, painting a grim scene of devastation. Emergency services rushed to the site to rescue survivors and secure the area.
Authorities confirmed that 15 people lost their lives in the incident, while more than 30 others were injured. The injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment, with medical teams working to stabilise those in critical condition. Officials have begun the process of identifying the deceased and assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the crash.
In the immediate aftermath, El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed as rescue and investigation operations commenced. The national airline clarified in a statement that the crashed aircraft was not part of its commercial fleet, underscoring that it was a military transport plane operated by the Bolivian Air Force.
Chaos over scattered currency and investigation underway
The Bolivia plane crash carrying banknotes took an unusual turn when large quantities of currency were seen scattered across the road following the accident. Videos circulating on social media showed crowds gathering near the crash site to pick up the banknotes. Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic atmosphere as bystanders attempted to collect cash amid the wreckage.
Local authorities reportedly had to deploy water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd and regain control of the scene. While these reports and videos gained widespread attention online, officials have not formally confirmed all details related to the crowd control measures.
The presence of large amounts of newly printed currency added a complex dimension to the emergency response. Securing the crash site required not only rescue operations but also safeguarding sensitive financial cargo. Law enforcement agencies worked to cordon off the area and prevent further disorder while ensuring that medical assistance reached victims promptly.
Bolivia’s Central Bank is expected to hold a press briefing to address questions surrounding the transportation of the banknotes and the implications of the crash. Meanwhile, an official investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the accident. Investigators are likely to examine weather data, aircraft maintenance records, pilot actions, and runway conditions to establish a comprehensive account of events.
Footage broadcast by local media showed the aircraft severely damaged, with sections of the fuselage torn apart and debris scattered widely. The crash has raised concerns about aviation safety procedures, particularly regarding military transport operations in challenging weather conditions.
As authorities continue their investigation, the Bolivia plane crash carrying banknotes stands as a tragic event marked by significant loss of life and extraordinary scenes on the ground. The combination of a fatal aviation accident and the spectacle of spilled currency has drawn international attention, even as families mourn the victims and officials work to restore order and normalcy at the airport and surrounding areas.
