20 Killed As Bolivian Military Plane Carrying Banknotes Crashes

A transport aircraft operated by the Bolivian Air Force crashed on Friday evening while attempting to land near La Paz, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 30 others, authorities said.

The Hercules C-130 plane, which was conveying newly printed banknotes, was trying to touch down at El Alto International Airport when it skidded off the runway amid severe weather and ploughed into a nearby highway.

Confirming the death toll, Police Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the homicide division in El Alto said, “There are about 20, maybe a few more,”

Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas said the aircraft “landed and veered off the runway” before coming to rest in an open field. Firefighters extinguished a blaze that broke out after impact, while investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

Witnesses described a violent storm at the time of the incident. “There was a heavy hailstorm and lightning,” said Cristina Choque, a 60-year-old roadside vendor whose car was hit by debris, in comments to AFP.

Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes at the crash site, with wrecked vehicles, scattered debris and crowds converging on the area. Some onlookers were seen picking up banknotes strewn across the road, prompting security forces to use water hoses and tear gas to disperse crowds and prevent looting.

In a statement, the Bolivia Ministry of Defence said the money on board had no official serial numbers and therefore carried no legal or purchasing value, warning that collecting or possessing the notes constitutes a criminal offence.

Bolivian Air Force General Sergio Lora said two of the six crew members remained unaccounted for as rescue efforts continued. The Central Bank of Bolivia was expected to brief journalists later on the cargo being transported by the aircraft.