At least 11 dead in Bolivian military plane crash loaded with central bank money
A Bolivian military Hercules C-130 aircraft crashed in El Alto, killing at least 11 people, many of whom were on the ground when the plane crashed after hitting several vehicles.
On a tragic Friday afternoon, a Bolivian military Hercules C-130 crashed in El Alto, near La Paz, while reportedly carrying a large sum of cash from the central bank. The initial reports indicated at least 15 fatalities, including both crew members and civilians. However, local authorities later adjusted the death toll to 11, suggesting that the ongoing rescue efforts may uncover more victims as the debris is cleared. Eyewitness accounts and videos on social media depict the aircraft's chaotic descent, which involved collisions with numerous vehicles during its crash trajectory.
After the crash, the scene quickly turned chaotic as hundreds of nearby residents attempted to gather the scattered banknotes from the site, prompting police to intervene with tear gas to disperse the crowds. This unexpected event has raised questions about security protocols concerning the transport of significant amounts of cash. The Bolivian government, represented by local police and military officials, now faces scrutiny over the incident and how it managed the aircraft's critical mission.
As investigations commence, the implications of this disaster could resonate far beyond immediate loss, bringing to light systemic issues regarding aviation safety within the Bolivian military and the policies guiding the movement of cash reserves. With public interest high, the government must address concerns related to both the tragic loss of life and the potential fallout over financial security and urban safety in Bolivia's densely populated areas.