Bolivian military plane carrying cash crashes near capital city

Bolivian Air Force Plane Crashes on Highway, Leaving Multiple Dead and Injured

A Bolivian Air Force Hercules transport plane carrying a cargo of newly printed banknotes crashed onto a busy highway near La Paz’s El Alto International Airport on Friday evening. The incident occurred during bad weather, with reports indicating that the plane skidded off the runway and came to a stop in a nearby field.

According to local authorities, at least 20 people have been killed and more than 30 injured in the crash. Police Colonel Rene Tambo stated that there were approximately 20 fatalities, while Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas reported that six crew members were on board the aircraft.

Firefighters responded to the scene and successfully extinguished a fire that broke out following the crash. The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Witnesses described chaotic scenes at the crash site, with some individuals collecting banknotes scattered among debris from the aircraft, vehicles, and bodies of victims.

Authorities used water hoses and tear gas to disperse onlookers and looters. The Ministry of Defence stated that the money transported in the crashed aircraft had no official serial number, rendering it without legal or purchasing power. The ministry also warned that collecting, possessing, or using the money constitutes a crime.

Bolivian Air Force General Sergio Lora reported that two crew members were still unaccounted for. The central bank was expected to provide further information regarding the plane’s cargo later on Friday.

Source: Al Jazeera