A Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo plane, reportedly carrying a substantial consignment of banknotes from the Central Bank, plummeted to the ground on Friday evening, resulting in a tragic loss of life and a scene of pandemonium near El Alto International Airport. The aircraft, which had departed from Santa Cruz, crashed at approximately 18:15 local time as it was making its descent, skidding off the runway and impacting a nearby highway before coming to rest. Initial reports indicate that at least 11 to 15 individuals perished in the disaster, with a further 20 sustaining injuries, as flames quickly engulfed the wreckage.
The ill-fated flight, carrying six crew members, was en route to the nation's capital, La Paz, when the catastrophic event unfolded. Eyewitness accounts suggest the plane veered off the tarmac, striking several vehicles on the adjacent road and scattering debris across the landscape. Firefighters and emergency services were swiftly deployed to the scene, battling to extinguish the blaze and extricate survivors from the mangled fuselage. As the smoke cleared, a peculiar and unsettling sight emerged: a vast quantity of unissued banknotes, destined for the Central Bank, lay strewn across the crash site, a stark reminder of the plane’s unusual cargo.
The immediate aftermath of the crash was compounded by the opportunistic behaviour of some members of the public. Large crowds converged on the area, drawn by the spectacle and the prospect of acquiring the scattered currency. This led to a volatile situation, with law enforcement officers resorting to the use of tear gas to disperse individuals attempting to collect the banknotes. Reports of vandalism and rock-throwing at the police further underscored the chaotic nature of the scene, prompting a stern response from the authorities.
Minister of Defence Marcelo Salinas addressed the unfolding crisis, unequivocally denouncing the attempts to pilfer the money. He emphatically stated that the scattered banknotes held no legal value, as they had not been officially issued by the Central Bank and lacked the requisite serial numbers. Salinas warned that any attempt to utilise this currency would constitute a criminal offense. He also implored those engaging in destructive behaviour to cease their actions and to show respect for the gravity of the tragedy and the widespread grief.
The Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports authority (NAABOL) confirmed the temporary closure of El Alto International Airport following the incident, necessitating diversions for scheduled flights. Investigations into the precise cause of the crash are now underway, with initial indications pointing towards the aircraft skidding off the runway. The Bolivian Air Force General Sergio Lora is expected to lead the inquiry, seeking to ascertain the sequence of events that led to this devastating accident. As of late Friday, two of the six crew members had not been located, adding to the distress of the situation. The incident has cast a pall over Bolivia, prompting a national day of mourning and a deep introspection into aviation safety protocols.