Military Cargo Plane Crash in Bolivia Kills at Least 15, Injures 30, and Scatters Banknotes
In a tragic accident that unfolded late on Friday, a military cargo plane crashed on a busy highway near El Alto airport, close to Bolivia's capital, La Paz, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and injuring at least 30 people. The plane was reportedly carrying newly printed banknotes, which were scattered across the crash site, causing chaos and prompting police intervention.
Background and Context
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport plane, operated by the Bolivian Air Force, lost control and skidded off the runway while attempting to land amid poor weather conditions. According to local media, the aircraft was transporting the currency from the country’s central bank to regional cities when the incident occurred. The plane struck multiple vehicles after leaving airport grounds before its debris came to rest in a nearby field.
Key Developments and Details
As reported by multiple sources, the crash led to chaotic scenes as locals rushed to the site attempting to gather the scattered banknotes. This prompted the police to intervene, using tear gas to disperse the crowd, as reported by The Guardian and Le Monde.
The aircraft's crash resulted in significant damage to about a dozen vehicles. However, Fire Chief Pavel Tovar did not specify whether the fatalities were among the plane's crew or the people on the highway. The South China Morning Post quotes Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas stating that the plane veered off the runway before ending up in a nearby field.
Contrastingly, ANSA and Al Jazeera English reported a higher death toll, stating that at least 20 people had died in the accident, though this information was not corroborated by other sources.
Implications and Reactions
The crash sparked disturbances in the area as people scrambled to pick up the scattered money, resulting in the intervention of fire trucks and riot police to manage the situation. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, as reported by Clarin.
Current Status
At the moment, rescue operations and investigations continue at the crash site, with firefighters and doctors working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the incident. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
This tragic incident marks a significant blow to Bolivia, leading to a loss of lives, damage to vehicles, and a disruption in the transportation of newly printed currency to regional cities. The incident has also highlighted potential challenges around crowd control and the secure transportation of valuable goods.