Fatal Cargo Plane Accident Near La paz Causes Airport Shutdown and Highway Chaos
A military cargo plane carrying freshly printed Bolivian currency crashed near El Alto, a city adjacent to Bolivia’s capital, La Paz. The tragic event resulted in at least 15 deaths and numerous injuries, while banknotes scattered across a nearby highway, damaging several vehicles.
Crash Overview: Aircraft Loses Control on Landing
The bolivian Defense minister Marcelo Salinas confirmed that a Hercules C-130 military transport plane loaded with newly printed banknotes veered off the runway upon landing at El Alto International Airport.The aircraft eventually stopped in an open field after catching fire, which firefighters managed to extinguish promptly.
Fire Chief Pavel Tovar reported 15 fatalities but did not clarify whether these were crew members or individuals affected by the crash on the highway below. Authorities are still investigating the precise cause of this devastating accident.
Search Continues for Missing Crew Members
General Sergio Lora from the Bolivian Air force stated that two out of six crew members remained unaccounted for late into Friday night. The flight had departed from Santa Cruz in eastern Bolivia before attempting its final approach near La Paz.
extensive Damage Along Adjacent Highway
The crash severely impacted about 15 vehicles traveling on a busy road next to the airport. Eyewitnesses shared images showing wreckage scattered across lanes alongside debris from both cars and parts of the aircraft.
Crowds Gather Amidst Rescue Efforts to Collect Scattered Currency
The cargo was transporting large amounts of newly minted money destined for distribution within La Paz. After impact, bills spilled onto surrounding areas causing hundreds of local residents to rush onto the scene trying to collect cash even as emergency responders worked tirelessly.
security Forces Mobilize to Manage Crowds and Aid operations
The influx of civilians collecting currency obstructed rescue teams’ efforts considerably. Consequently, over 500 soldiers along with approximately 100 police officers were deployed to establish perimeter control and disperse crowds blocking emergency access routes.
Dismantling Uncirculated Currency From Wreckage
The Central Bank President David Espinoza supervised officials as they destroyed cash containers recovered from the site by incineration. He emphasized these notes “have no legal tender value since they never entered official circulation.” Although exact figures were not disclosed, this shipment had recently arrived in santa cruz via international sources before being transported toward la Paz.
Aviation Activities Suspended Temporarily at High-Altitude Airport
Following this catastrophic incident, all flights arriving or departing from El Alto International Airport-one of South America’s highest airports located over 13,000 feet above sea level-were temporarily halted while investigations continue into how a heavily loaded military transport aircraft carrying valuable currency lost control during landing procedures amid challenging terrain and weather conditions.
This tragedy underscores meaningful challenges faced by air logistics involving high-value shipments through mountainous regions where unpredictable weather combined with complex topography can impair pilot visibility during critical approach phases-highlighting an urgent need for enhanced safety measures worldwide moving forward.
