Bolivia: military plane crash with banknotes on board, at least 20 dead and scenes of looting
A military plane crash in Bolivia carrying banknotes led to at least 20 fatalities and a chaotic scene of looting as locals rushed to collect the scattered money.
In a tragic incident in Bolivia, a military aircraft transporting banknotes crashed at El Alto airport near La Paz, resulting in at least 20 deaths and numerous injuries. The C-130 Hercules plane encountered difficulties during landing, crashing onto a road, and immediately sparked an overwhelming response from locals eager to collect the money that had been scattered across the site.
As the police attempted to regain control amidst the chaos, they resorted to deploying tear gas against the crowd, which had swelled in size as news of the banknotes spread. The unfortunate incident not only raised questions about aviation safety in Bolivia but also highlighted issues surrounding the management and transport of currency, given the volume of cash involved.
Authorities confirmed that at least 28 individuals were injured in addition to the fatalities, prompting an immediate investigation into the causes of the crash. This incident draws attention to the airline's operational procedures and the potential need for stricter regulations regarding the transportation of large denominations, especially in sensitive regions where similar incidents could lead to public unrest.