At least 15 people have died and dozens more sustained injuries after a Bolivian Air Force cargo plane crashed in the western city of El Alto on Friday evening.
Authorities say the C-130 Hercules aircraft went down at about 18:15 local time while arriving at El Alto International Airport from Santa Cruz. Aviation officials report the plane skidded off the runway before slamming into nearby vehicles, causing significant destruction.
Bolivia’s defence ministry confirms the aircraft was transporting banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia at the time of the crash. Air Force Commander Sergio Lora says eight crew members, including flight and cargo personnel, were on board.
The health ministry reports that 31 people were injured and issues an urgent appeal for blood donations as hospitals treat victims. El Alto International Airport is temporarily closed following the incident.
Police deploy tear gas to disperse crowds allegedly attempting to seize scattered banknotes from the crash site. Video footage circulating online shows damaged vehicles, officers forming defensive lines, and some individuals throwing stones.
The National Association of Journalists of Bolivia says several reporters covering the crash were attacked. In a statement, the body alleges that a mobile television unit was directly targeted, while other journalists suffered injuries after being struck with stones.
Government-run media report that at least a dozen people are arrested for attempting to steal the banknotes.
Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas warns that the transported money “has no legal value” because it had not been officially issued or assigned serial numbers. He stresses that attempting to use the cash constitutes a crime and urges residents to respect the mourning period.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, though witnesses describe severe weather conditions at the time. One resident says a heavy hailstorm and lightning were occurring when the aircraft went down.
An investigation is now under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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