A Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft transporting newly printed cash crashed after landing at an airport near La Paz, impacting several vehicles on a nearby road. According to authorities, the plane veered off the runway, traveling about one kilometer before colliding with cars, leading to a tragic incident that left at least 15 people dead and several wounded. The precise cause of the accident is currently under investigation, as officials work to uncover what led to this catastrophic event.

The Defense Minister, Marcelo Salinas, addressed the media following the incident, confirming that the plane faced a loss of control upon landing at the El Alto airport, which serves La Paz. Eyewitness accounts and images shared on social media depict the wreckage of the aircraft strewn across the area, along with the destruction of numerous vehicles on the road. The crash scene has seen emergency responders, including firefighters, attending to the aftermath, highlighting the severity of the situation and the impact on innocent bystanders.

This tragic accident raises concerns about aviation safety in Bolivia, especially regarding the transport of high-value cargo. As investigations proceed, there will likely be scrutiny over protocols related to landing operations and the safety measures taken when dealing with aircraft carrying significant monetary loads. The loss of life and the havoc wreaked on the families affected by this crash underline the urgent need for enhanced safety regulations in the aviation sector.