A tragic aviation disaster struck Bolivia late Friday night when a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft transporting freshly printed banknotes crashed onto a busy road in El Alto, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and more than 30 injuries.
The aircraft had departed shortly before the incident and went down in a densely populated neighborhood adjacent to El Alto International Airport, near Bolivia’s administrative capital, La Paz. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the plane descended onto a major thoroughfare, striking vehicles and scattering debris across the roadway.
Crash Occurs Minutes After Takeoff
According to initial reports, the military transport plane encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff. The aircraft ultimately lost altitude and crashed into traffic below, severely damaging several vehicles and igniting panic among motorists and residents.
Emergency response teams arrived quickly, working through wreckage and twisted metal to rescue survivors. Authorities confirmed that both civilians on the ground and individuals aboard the aircraft were among the dead and injured. Several victims were transported to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition.
| Incident Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Bolivian Air Force Hercules transport plane |
| Cargo | Freshly printed banknotes from Bolivia’s central bank |
| Location | Busy roadway in El Alto near La Paz |
| Fatalities | At least 15 confirmed |
| Injuries | Approximately 30 reported |
| Weather Conditions | Inclement weather at the time of crash |
Inclement Weather Suspected as Possible Factor
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, early reports indicate that the aircraft went down during adverse weather conditions. Aviation experts note that the high altitude of El Alto — situated more than 4,000 metres above sea level — can create challenging flight conditions, particularly during storms or low-visibility situations.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or weather-related complications were responsible for the accident. A formal investigation is expected to determine the chain of events that led to the tragedy.
Chaotic Scenes as Cash Scattered Across Road
Videos circulating on Social Media showed dramatic footage of the crash site, with debris strewn across the street and damaged vehicles engulfed in smoke. In some clips, individuals were seen gathering near the wreckage, and scattered currency notes could be observed lying on the ground.
Local officials were reportedly forced to use water hoses to disperse crowds that had gathered near the site, both to secure the area and to prevent interference with rescue operations.
Airport Temporarily Shut Down
Following the crash, El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed as authorities secured the airspace and initiated emergency response protocols. Flights were delayed while investigators began assessing the situation.
Bolivia’s national carrier, Boliviana de Aviación, clarified in a public statement that the aircraft involved in the crash was not part of its commercial fleet, emphasizing that it was a military-operated transport plane.
About El Alto and Its Strategic Location
El Alto, located above La Paz on the Andean plateau, is one of Bolivia’s largest and most densely populated urban centers. Its high-altitude airport serves as a major gateway for both domestic and international flights, making aviation safety particularly critical in the region.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the country, raising urgent questions about flight safety, aircraft maintenance, and emergency preparedness in high-altitude urban zones.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates regarding the cause of the crash, the full list of casualties, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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