A military plane crash in Bolivia that was transporting cash has resulted in at least 20 fatalities, with ongoing search efforts for additional victims.
On Friday, a military aircraft in Bolivia, specifically a Hercules plane from the Air Force, crashed while attempting to land at El Alto Airport near La Paz, leading to the death of at least 20 individuals, as reported by authorities. The wreckage lay spread across a street next to the airport terminal, with debris from the aircraft and damaged vehicles visible in images taken from the scene. Initial reports had suggested a lower death toll, but information has since been updated by officials on-site.
Coronel René Tambo, the director of the Division of Homicides for the police, provided an updated casualty figure while on-site, indicating ongoing search operations to recover bodies from the crash site, which may extend into the following day. The scale of the disaster prompted a significant response from emergency services, highlighting the severity of the incident as recovery teams continue to survey the wreckage for any additional victims.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz offered his condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy, expressing sympathy for both the deceased and the injured. The incident raises concerns about aviation safety in Bolivia, particularly regarding military operations and the transportation of cash, calling into question procedures that ensure the security of such missions.
