At least 15 people were killed after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft transporting newly printed banknotes crashed onto a busy avenue in El Alto on Friday evening, reportedly amid poor weather conditions, according to local television reports and the defence ministry.
The military cargo plane was en route to deliver fresh currency to other parts of the country when it went down near Bolivia’s administrative capital, La Paz, Reuters reported. Dramatic footage circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes at the crash site, with crowds gathering around the wreckage and some individuals appearing to pick up banknotes scattered across the roadway. Authorities were seen spraying water hoses to disperse onlookers.
Images aired by local media showed the aircraft severely damaged, with debris strewn across the avenue and several vehicles impacted. Following the crash, operations at El Alto International Airport were temporarily suspended.
Officials are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident. Further details regarding additional injuries or casualties have yet to be confirmed.
