At least 11 people have lost their lives after a Bolivian Air Force cargo plane crashed near El Alto, officials and media reports confirmed. The incident occurred on Friday evening as the aircraft, carrying banknotes for the Central Bank of Bolivia, was landing at El Alto International Airport.
Bolivia's air traffic control reported that the plane, coming from Santa Cruz, was approaching the airport at 18:20 local time (22:20 GMT) when it skidded off the runway.
The aircraft reportedly collided with vehicles on a nearby motorway, causing multiple casualties and prompting the temporary closure of the airport.
The Defence Ministry later confirmed that a C-130 Hercules cargo plane was involved and reiterated that it had been transporting banknotes to the Central Bank.
However, it did not immediately release details on the number of casualties. Authorities warned that the banknotes were not legal tender and that attempting to collect or use them would be considered a criminal act. "The public is asked to stay away and allow the authorities to do their work," the ministry said.
Despite these warnings, media reports indicated that some people rushed to the crash site in an attempt to pick up the scattered banknotes. Footage from the scene showed the plane wrecked on the ground alongside severely damaged vehicles, underlining the chaotic aftermath of the crash.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted the dangers faced by those near the site.
Investigators have launched a formal inquiry into the crash to determine the exact cause. Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor the site and manage the emergency response, urging the public to avoid the area to ensure safety and allow rescue operations to proceed efficiently.
The tragedy has left local residents in shock, raising questions about airport safety and emergency preparedness when dealing with military aircraft transporting sensitive cargo.
