At least 20 people have been killed and several others injured after a Bolivian air force cargo aircraft crashed near an airport in El Alto, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 18:15 local time (22:15 GMT) on Friday as the aircraft was landing at El Alto International Airport after departing from Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Aviation officials said the plane reportedly skidded off the runway before striking nearby vehicles, causing widespread destruction.
The defence ministry later confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo plane that had been transporting banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia.
Eight people were aboard the military aircraft, according to the air force commander.
Emergency responders initially reported at least 15 fatalities, but the death toll later rose to 20 as rescue operations continued.
The crash scene descended into chaos after crowds allegedly attempted to collect scattered banknotes from the wreckage. Police deployed tear gas to disperse the gathering, with authorities reporting arrests of several individuals suspected of attempting to steal the money.
Video footage from the site showed the severely damaged aircraft resting on the ground alongside wrecked vehicles, while other clips captured people fleeing tear gas as police officers formed defensive lines. Some members of the crowd were seen throwing stones at security personnel.
The National Association of Journalists of Bolivia condemned attacks on media crews covering the accident, saying a mobile television unit was directly targeted and several journalists were assaulted with stones, leaving some seriously injured.
State media, including the government-run Bolivian News Agency, reported that at least a dozen people were arrested on suspicion of stealing the transported banknotes.
Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the crash as rescue and security operations continue at the site.
About the Author
