A tragic incident occurred in Bolivia when a cargo plane transporting new banknotes from the central bank crashed, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals. The crash took place near El Alto Airport, close to the capital city La Paz. Reports indicate that the Bolivian Air Force aircraft was attempting to land when it veered off the runway and caused significant damage, including hitting vehicles on a nearby road.

In the aftermath of the crash, large quantities of banknotes were scattered across the area, prompting an overwhelming response from crowds attempting to collect the money. Footage shared on social media showed police struggling to manage the chaos as people rushed to retrieve the fallen currency, highlighting the intense public interest in the incident and the potential issues of looting and public safety.

The Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas provided updates on the situation, emphasizing the importance of investigating the cause of this tragic event. The crash not only raises concerns about aviation safety in Bolivia, especially for military and cargo flights, but also draws attention to the management of new currency being issued and the implications of sudden financial access for the local population in crisis-prone regions.