Plane Crash Near El Alto Kills At Least 11 as Cash Cargo Triggers Chaotic Scene
At least 11 people have died after a military plane carrying banknotes crashed while arriving at El Alto International Airport, skidding off the runway and striking vehicles on a nearby motorway. The crash left wreckage on the ground, prompted a temporary airport closure and set off unrest as people converged on the site to retrieve scattered cash.
Plane Carrying Banknotes Skids Off Runway; C-130 Hercules Confirmed
The aircraft was arriving from the city of Santa Cruz and came down at 18: 20 local time (22: 20 GMT) as it approached El Alto International Airport. The military later confirmed the plane was a C-130 Hercules that had been transporting banknotes destined for the central bank. On impact the plane reportedly skidded off the runway and hit vehicles on a nearby motorway, leaving badly damaged cars at the scene and prompting emergency crews to close the airport temporarily.
The defence ministry noted that it did not provide casualty numbers in its initial statement. Officials also warned that the banknotes involved in the crash had no purchasing power and that collecting or using them would constitute a crime, urging the public to stay away to allow authorities to work safely at the scene.
Crowds, Clashes and Cash Destruction After Crash
In the chaotic aftermath, dozens of people moved toward the crash site attempting to grab banknotes scattered across the area. Security forces confronted crowds, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse those trying to collect the bills. Central bank officials determined the cash had no legal value and authorities subsequently burned the recovered notes.
Footage from the scene showed the crashed plane and multiple damaged vehicles. Emergency services evacuated injured people to hospitals; one relative said a woman suffered a head injury when the impact affected her car and was rushed to medical care. The total number of injured has not been specified in public statements available at this time.
Immediate Consequences and What Might Follow
The combination of a high-casualty crash, scattered currency and large crowds created a volatile environment that required a forceful response from security personnel. The defence ministry's criminal warning about handling the banknotes introduces potential legal consequences for people who attempted to collect cash at the scene. The temporary airport closure disrupted operations while investigators and emergency teams worked to secure the site.
Details remain developing and early accounts contain varying casualty figures. Authorities have emphasized the need for the public to refrain from approaching the crash site to allow emergency and investigative teams to carry out their work safely. Further official updates are likely as investigators document the scene and clarify the human and material toll of the accident.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Aircraft: Military C-130 Hercules confirmed to have been carrying banknotes.
- Route: Flight had arrived from Santa Cruz and was approaching El Alto International Airport.
- Time: Incident occurred at 18: 20 local time (22: 20 GMT) as the plane was landing.
- Casualties: At least 11 people killed; number of injured not specified in initial statements.
- Aftermath: Plane skidded off the runway, struck vehicles on a nearby motorway; airport closed temporarily; crowds attempted to seize banknotes; cash later burned after being declared without legal value.
