Plane carrying currency crashes in Bolivia, 20 dead; aircraft skids off runway in bad weather, cash scattered on highway

PTC Web Desk:  A transport aircraft operated by the Bolivian Air Force crashed near Bolivia’s administrative capital on Friday while attempting to land, leaving at least 20 persons dead and several others injured.

The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, reportedly overshot the runway at El Alto International Airport before veering onto a nearby avenue on the outskirts of La Paz. According to initial reports cited local media, the plane ploughed into multiple vehicles, damaging cars and trucks travelling along the busy roadway.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the accident, but early accounts suggest that extreme weather conditions may have contributed to the tragedy. Witnesses described a violent hailstorm accompanied by lightning strikes moments before the aircraft went down.

Cristina Choque, a 60-year-old street vendor whose vehicle was struck by debris from the crash, was reported as saying by a news agency that heavy hail and lightning were ongoing at the time. She said a piece of the aircraft, possibly a tire, fell onto her car, injuring her daughter, who sustained a head wound.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene to treat the injured and secure the wreckage. At least 20 persons were reported hurt in addition to those who lost their lives, as the aircraft collided with vehicles upon impact.

The crash site soon descended into chaos after it emerged that the aircraft was transporting large quantities of cash. The impact scattered banknotes across the roadway, drawing a crowd of onlookers who attempted to collect the money.

Video footage aired by local broadcasters showed the police deploying tear gas to disperse people who approached the debris field. Law enforcement officials struggled to control the situation amid concerns over public safety and potential looting.

In a statement, Bolivia’s Ministry of Defense clarified that the currency being transported had no official serial numbers and therefore held no legal or commercial value. The ministry warned that collecting, possessing or attempting to use the notes would constitute a criminal offence.

Authorities also confirmed that 12 persons were detained for questioning in connection with alleged theft and disorder at the crash site. Officials said some opportunists sought to exploit the confusion following the accident.

Meanwhile, Choque said she and her family remained inside their damaged vehicle out of fear that the crowd might target them during the unrest.

An official investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the crash and assess accountability. Aviation authorities are expected to release further details once black box data and weather reports are examined.