A military transport aircraft belonging to the Bolivian Air Force crashed in the western city of El Alto on Friday evening, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more, authorities have confirmed.
The C-130 Hercules cargo plane went down at approximately 18:15 local time while approaching El Alto International Airport after departing from Santa Cruz. Aviation officials said the aircraft skidded off the runway during landing before ploughing into nearby vehicles, leaving a trail of destruction.
Bolivia’s defence ministry disclosed that the aircraft was transporting banknotes destined for the Central Bank of Bolivia at the time of the crash. Air Force Commander Sergio Lora confirmed that eight crew members, including flight and cargo personnel, were on board the plane.
The health ministry reported that at least 31 people sustained injuries and issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as hospitals in El Alto treated victims. Authorities temporarily shut down operations at El Alto International Airport following the incident.
Tensions escalated at the crash site as police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds allegedly attempting to seize scattered banknotes from the wreckage. Videos circulating on social media showed damaged vehicles, officers forming defensive lines, and some individuals hurling stones.
The National Association of Journalists of Bolivia condemned attacks on media personnel covering the disaster, alleging that a mobile television unit was deliberately targeted and that several reporters were injured by stones thrown during the unrest.
State media reported that at least a dozen people were arrested on suspicion of attempting to steal the cash.
Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas warned that the transported banknotes “have no legal value” because they had not been officially issued or assigned serial numbers. He emphasized that attempting to use the money would constitute a criminal offence and urged residents to observe a period of mourning.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Witnesses described severe weather conditions at the time, including heavy hail and lightning, which may have complicated the aircraft’s landing. Authorities say a full inquiry is underway to determine the circumstances behind the deadly accident.
