Bolivian Cargo Plane Crash Leaves 15 Dead and Scatters Currency
A tragic aviation incident unfolded near Bolivia's capital on Friday, resulting in significant loss of life and a surreal scene of scattered currency. A Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft, operated by the Bolivian Air Force, crashed while transporting a shipment of newly printed banknotes, claiming at least fifteen lives and causing extensive damage to vehicles on a nearby highway.
Details of the Devastating Incident
The aircraft, which had departed from the eastern city of Santa Cruz, was approaching its destination at the airport in El Alto, a city adjacent to La Paz. According to Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas, the plane "landed and veered off the runway" before coming to rest in a field. The crash immediately sparked a fierce fire, which firefighters worked diligently to extinguish.
Fire Chief Pavel Tovar confirmed the grim death toll of at least fifteen individuals. However, he did not specify whether the fatalities occurred among the plane's crew or occupants of the vehicles struck on the highway. General Sergio Lora of the Bolinian Air Force revealed that, as of late Friday, two of the six crew members remained unaccounted for, heightening concerns about the final casualty count.
Chaos and Currency at the Crash Site
The aftermath of the crash was chaotic and visually striking. Social media images depicted aircraft debris, destroyed automobiles, and bodies strewn across the road. Approximately fifteen vehicles sustained damage from the impact and subsequent fire. In a bizarre twist, the cargo of newly printed Bolivian banknotes was scattered across the crash site, leading to scenes of locals rushing to collect the currency.
Police in riot gear were deployed to disperse the crowds attempting to gather the money. Central Bank President David Espinoza later clarified that the banknotes lacked legal tender status, as they were en route to La Paz and had not yet been serialized or entered into circulation. He did not disclose the exact value or quantity of the bills being transported.
Investigation and Immediate Aftermath
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash. Defence Minister Salinas emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing and refrained from speculating on potential factors. In response to the disaster, all flights to and from the terminal at El Alto Airport were temporarily suspended to facilitate rescue operations and the initial investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the dangers of aviation and the tragic consequences when such accidents occur in populated areas. The combination of loss of life, property damage, and the unusual element of scattered currency makes this a particularly memorable and devastating event in recent Bolivian history.
