Cargo Plane Carrying Currency Crashes Near Bolivia's Capital, Killing 15
A cargo plane carrying newly printed Bolivian currency crashed near the capital city of La Paz on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least fifteen individuals and scattering banknotes across a major highway. The tragic incident has prompted a swift response from emergency services and authorities, who are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
Details of the Crash and Immediate Aftermath
According to Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas, the Hercules C-130 aircraft, operated by the Bolivian Air Force, was transporting freshly printed banknotes from the Central Bank. The plane "landed and veered off the runway" at El Alto Airport, which is located adjacent to La Paz, before coming to rest in a nearby field. The crash caused significant damage, with approximately fifteen vehicles on a nearby highway being impacted by the debris.
Firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the flames that engulfed the aircraft following the crash. Fire Chief Pavel Tovar confirmed that at least fifteen people lost their lives in the incident, though he did not specify whether the fatalities occurred among the plane's crew or individuals in the damaged vehicles on the highway. The scene was chaotic, with images on social media showing wreckage from the plane, destroyed cars, and bodies scattered across the road.
Response from Authorities and Investigation
Bolivian Air Force General Sergio Lora provided additional details, noting that the aircraft had arrived from Santa Cruz in eastern Bolivia, where it had picked up its cargo of currency. As of late Friday, two of the six crew members remained unaccounted for, adding to the urgency of the search and recovery efforts. Defense Minister Salinas emphasized that the cause of the crash is under investigation, and authorities have temporarily suspended all flights to and from the terminal at El Alto Airport as a precautionary measure.
Currency Scattering and Legal Status
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, social media footage captured individuals rushing to collect the scattered banknotes at the scene, while police in riot gear attempted to disperse the crowds. However, Central Bank President David Espinoza later clarified that the banknotes lacked legal tender status, as they were about to enter circulation and still did not have serial numbers. He confirmed that the bills were being transported to La Paz but did not disclose the exact quantity involved in the shipment.
The incident has raised concerns about transportation safety and the handling of sensitive cargo in Bolivia. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on determining the precise sequence of events that led to this devastating crash, which has left a community in mourning and highlighted the risks associated with air transport of valuable goods.
