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Air Crash Involving C-130 Hercules in El Alto Leaves Dead, Injured, and Chaos Over Transported Cash in Bolivia.
An air crash involving a C-130 Hercules plane from the Bolivian Air Force resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people on Friday night (27) in El Alto, in the western part of the country.
The aircraft, which was transporting cash — the so-called transported money — crashed while approaching the local airport after taking off from Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
The impact struck vehicles on a nearby highway, left dozens injured, and caused chaos among residents who tried to collect the scattered bills.
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Military Plane With Money Crashes In Bolivia, Leaves 20 Dead And Leads Central Bank To Annul 10, 20, And 50 Bolivianos Notes After Chaos At Airport
According to authorities, the accident occurred around 6:20 PM local time.
There is still no official confirmation on the causes, but witnesses reported hail and lightning at the time of the crash.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what led to the tragedy.
Air Crash in El Alto Mobilizes Rescue Teams
Emergency teams arrived at the scene shortly after the air crash in El Alto.
The Ministry of Health confirmed 31 injuries and made an urgent appeal for blood donations.
Initially, firefighters reported 15 deaths, but the number rose as the search efforts progressed. Images from the scene show debris scattered, destroyed cars, and the fuselage of the C-130 Hercules on the ground.
Authorities temporarily closed El Alto International Airport to ensure the work of the teams and the safety of the area.
Transported Cash Caused Chaos After the Crash
The presence of transported cash intensified the confusion following the accident.
The Ministry of Defense reported that the bills were headed to the Central Bank of Bolivia and were not in circulation.
Nonetheless, residents attempted to collect the scattered notes.
The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent looting.
In a statement, the government urged the public to keep their distance and allow authorities to do their work.
The police arrested at least a dozen people for attempted theft.
Attacks on Journalists During Coverage of the Air Crash
The coverage of the air crash also recorded violence against the press.
The National Journalists Association of Bolivia denounced assaults.
According to the entity, a group directly attacked a mobile TV unit and threw stones at reporters, who sustained serious injuries while working.
The situation heightened tensions in the area, already marked by police presence and the use of tear gas.
Reports Indicate Impact Off the Runway
There are indications that the C-130 Hercules left the runway before crashing onto a nearby road, which explains the high number of victims on the ground.
A witness told Reuters:
“My sister was in the car when the plane fell.
A tire from the aircraft hit the vehicle and injured her head, so we rushed her to the hospital.”
The commander of the Bolivian Air Force, Sergio Lora, confirmed that eight crew members were on board, including flight and cargo personnel.
Severe Weather May Have Contributed to the Air Crash
Although the official cause has yet to be disclosed, reports suggest bad weather during the approach.
A woman struck by debris told AFP that there was a severe hailstorm and lightning when the plane fell.
Experts note that adverse weather conditions compromise visibility and stability of the aircraft during landing.
Investigation Into the C-130 Hercules Is Ongoing
Bolivian authorities are conducting the inquiry to identify technical, climatic, and operational factors that led to the accident involving the C-130 Hercules.
The area remains cordoned off, and air transport in El Alto continues to be partially affected.
The government asks the public to avoid the area to not disrupt the work.
Thus, the tragedy exposes the risks of military transport of cash and the public safety challenges in disaster scenarios, especially when transported cash is involved.
See more at: Plane Loaded with Cash Crashes in Bolivia, Leaving at Least 20 Dead – BBC News Brazil
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