In a tragic incident, a military cargo plane belonging to the Bolivian Air Force crashed after landing at El Alto Airport, near the business capital of La Paz, claiming the lives of at least 20 individuals. The Hercules aircraft was transporting a significant amount of new currency, which became a focal point for onlookers at the crash site. As the news broke, crowds descended upon the area, eager to collect the falling banknotes, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse them.

The crash occurred on Friday evening when the aircraft reportedly veered off the runway and onto a busy stretch of highway after landing. Eyewitnesses described how the plane traveled approximately a kilometer further before it collided with several vehicles, including cars and heavy trucks. The aftermath saw the aircraft engulfed in flames and broken into pieces, highlighting the severity of the impact and the chaotic scene that ensued.

Local authorities and the Bolivian Ministry of Defense are currently investigating the circumstances that led to this catastrophe. The decision to burn the scattered banknotes rather than allow civilians to collect them indicates a concern over the risk of theft and legal complications, as the currency was deemed invalid post-crash. This incident raises questions about air safety protocols and traffic regulations, especially in the vicinity of major transport hubs such as El Alto Airport.