At least 15 people lost their lives in a deadly plane crash in El Alto, Bolivia on Friday, February 27, when a Bolivian Air Force Hercules C-130 cargo plane went off the runway at El Alto International Airport. The plane, which was carrying newly printed Bolivian currency to La Paz, crashed into a nearby highway before landing in a field, causing a fire and destroying several vehicles in its path.
The accident left a devastating scene, with debris scattered across the highway and at least 15 cars destroyed by fire. Emergency responders, including firefighters, worked quickly to bring the fire under control, but 15 people were confirmed dead at the scene. It is unclear whether the victims were on the plane or in vehicles on the highway at the time of the crash. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed, and officials have not confirmed whether any of the six crew members on board the plane were killed, although two remain unidentified.
As rescue efforts continued, officials faced significant challenges in managing the scene, as crowds of onlookers tried to collect bills scattered on the highway after the accident. Fire chief Pavel Tovar said more than 500 soldiers and 100 police officers were dispatched to control the crowd and maintain order.
Central Bank President David Espinoza confirmed that the bills, which were still in the process of transportation and had not yet come into circulation, were considered to have no legal value. In an effort to prevent abuse, police and soldiers burned cash boxes containing the currency in Espinoza’s presence.
Due to the accident, all flights to and from El Alto International Airport have been temporarily suspended, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragic accident.
The devastating incident has left the country in mourning as officials work to gather details of the cause of the crash and provide solace to the families of the victims.