Photo: EPA
A Bolivian military Hercules C-130 transport plane carrying freshly printed currency crashed near La Paz on February 27, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend all flights to and from the airport.
Crash details
The plane slid off the runway at El Alto Airport and ended up in a nearby field while attempting to land.
Bolivian Fire Chief Pavel Tovar reported at least 15 deaths, though it is unclear whether the victims were crew members or people in vehicles on a nearby road.
Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas said the exact death toll is under investigation, and Air Force General Sergio Lora noted that 2 of 6 crew members remain missing.
The flight originated from Santa Cruz. Social media photos show debris, damaged vehicles, and bodies along the road, with at least 15 cars affected.
Aftermath
The plane was transporting cash to La Paz. Crowds reportedly tried to collect scattered banknotes, hindering rescue operations.
Over 500 military personnel and 100 police officers were deployed to control the area.
In the presence of David Espinoza, boxes of cash were burned, as the notes were not legal tender and had never circulated.
Authorities continue investigating the cause of the crash.
