C-130 Hercules Crashes During Landing at El Alto Airport
At least 22 people were killed when a Bolivian military cargo plane carrying banknotes crashed near La Paz, authorities confirmed on Friday. The deadly accident occurred during landing at El Alto International Airport.
The aircraft was identified as a C-130 Hercules transport plane. The model is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Officials said the plane veered off the runway before crashing into a nearby avenue.
Local media footage showed severe destruction. The aircraft smashed into multiple vehicles on the busy road. Several cars were destroyed. Trucks were also heavily damaged.
Mangled parts of the plane were scattered across the crash site. Debris covered the avenue where the aircraft came down. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic.
Police confirmed that fatalities occurred both at the airport and on the roadway. Early reports varied, with officials initially citing lower death tolls. Later statements placed the number of dead at around 22.
Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the police homicide division in El Alto, told reporters that casualties could be slightly higher. Colonel Pavel Tovar of the National Fire Department earlier reported between 15 and 16 deaths.
Crowds Attempt to Loot Cash as Authorities Respond
The plane was reportedly carrying large quantities of banknotes. After the crash, scattered cash was seen across the scene. Bystanders rushed toward the wreckage to grab the money.
Police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to loot the crash site. Authorities later set the recovered banknotes on fire. Officials said the money had no official serial numbers and no legal value.
Bolivia’s Defence Ministry stated that the transported currency had no purchasing power. The ministry warned that collecting or using the cash would constitute a crime.
The Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports Authority confirmed that the aircraft departed from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The crash happened while the plane was attempting to land at El Alto airport.
Airport operations have since been suspended. Authorities are working to clear the runway and surrounding areas. Investigators are examining flight data and mechanical systems.
The Ministry of Defence announced a formal investigation into the crash. The cause of the accident remains unknown. Witnesses told AFP that weather conditions were treacherous at the time of landing.
28 Injured as Hospitals Launch Emergency Response
Bolivia’s Health Ministry reported that at least 28 people were injured in the crash. Many were transported to hospitals in El Alto for urgent treatment.
Medical centers launched an emergency blood donation drive. Health officials urged residents to donate blood to help the injured. Doctors described several patients as being in critical condition.
The La Paz Prosecutor’s Office said businesses were also targeted during the chaos. Criminals reportedly attempted to exploit the situation. Prosecutor Luis Carlos Torres confirmed that 12 people were arrested for questioning.
Security forces remain deployed around the crash site. Authorities are monitoring nearby neighborhoods to prevent further unrest.
La Paz sits at an altitude of about 3,650 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by towering Andean peaks. The high altitude and unpredictable weather often pose aviation challenges.
As investigations continue, Bolivia faces a national tragedy marked by loss, destruction, and public disorder. Officials have pledged transparency and accountability in determining the cause of the deadly crash.
