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Hercules Crash Spreads Cash Near El Alto Airport, Triggers Looting, Mobilizes 600 Military and 160 Police, and Sparks Emergency Monetary Measure
A military aircraft carrying cash cargo crashed in Bolivia, triggering an immediate reaction from the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB). The accident left 20 dead and scattered cash around the international airport of El Alto, causing chaos, looting attempts, and massive mobilization of security forces.
Shortly after the incident, the Central Bank announced the immediate invalidation of 10, 20, and 50 bolivianos from Series B of the New Family of Bolivian Banknotes. The institution made this decision because part of the cash cargo was scattered after the aircraft crash, which could compromise monetary control.
The information was released by Bolivian authorities and confirmed in official statements from the Central Bank of Bolivia, which detailed the measures taken after the accident involving the Hercules aircraft of Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos (TAB), the cargo division of the Bolivian Air Force (FAB).
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Central Bank Invalidates Notes and Guarantees No Loss on Exchange
The Central Bank determined that all 10, 20, and 50 bolivianos from Series B would no longer have legal validity for use and circulation. Additionally, the institution collected and burned the recovered banknotes in the vicinity of El Alto Airport.
At the same time, the BCB assured that citizens who legally possess these notes will not lose money. According to the entity, holders will be able to exchange them for others of equal value, following a schedule that will be announced soon.
Furthermore, the Central Bank emphasized that it maintains a record and numbering of all banknotes that legally circulate in the country. Therefore, if someone tries to introduce banknotes from the crashed aircraft into the financial system, authorities will identify the origin and apply sanctions.
With this strategy, the government sought to prevent fraud and preserve trust in the Bolivian financial system.
Accident Leaves 20 Dead and Causes Chaos Near the Airport
The accident occurred on Friday when a TAB Hercules aircraft went off the runway at El Alto international airport and crashed nearby. Initially, authorities reported 15 dead and 28 injured. However, after an official update, they confirmed the total of 20 fatalities.
Given the gravity of the situation, the government set up a military investigation committee to determine the causes of the aircraft crash.
Meanwhile, the scene near the airport quickly spiraled out of control. As soon as the cash was scattered, various people rushed to collect the money. For this reason, authorities deployed around 600 military and 160 police to control the area.
Initially, firefighters used water jets to disperse the crowd. However, as the chaos continued, police deployed tear gas to contain the disturbances.
The departmental prosecutor of La Paz, Luis Carlos Torres, confirmed the arrest of 12 individuals involved in the disorderly conduct.
Impact, Fear, and Questions About Security
The episode highlighted operational risks in the air transport of valuables, especially when it involves military cargo flights. Additionally, it rekindled debate regarding security protocols and logistical planning.
Although the Central Bank assured that no one will lose money when exchanging the notes, the immediate invalidation of an entire series reveals the extent of the accident’s impact.
At the same time, the case reinforces how crisis situations can quickly generate social disorder when cash is involved. Still, authorities state that they maintain full control over the numbering of the banknotes and will protect the financial system.
While the military committee investigates the causes of the crash, the Bolivian population monitors the consequences of an accident that resulted in 20 deaths, caused chaos near an international airport, and led the Central Bank to act in an unprecedented and immediate manner.
And you, do you believe that the decision to immediately invalidate the notes was the most effective measure to prevent fraud and losses after the accident?
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