Aviation – Cargo Plane Crash Near La Paz Claims 15 Lives
Aviation – A military cargo aircraft transporting newly printed currency crashed near Bolivia’s administrative capital on Friday, killing at least 15 people and causing widespread destruction along a major roadway.
The aircraft went down close to the airport serving La Paz, striking several vehicles before coming to a halt in an open field. Officials confirmed multiple injuries in addition to the fatalities, though it remains unclear whether the victims were aboard the plane or traveling in the vehicles below.
Crash Near Airport Triggers Major Emergency Response
According to Fire Chief Pavel Tovar, emergency teams were dispatched immediately after the incident occurred near the city of El Alto, which borders La Paz. The aircraft collided with traffic along a busy highway, damaging approximately 15 vehicles and igniting a fire that engulfed parts of the wreckage.
Firefighters worked swiftly to contain the flames and prevent the blaze from spreading further. Images shared online showed charred cars, scattered debris, and emergency personnel combing through the crash site. Authorities have not yet released a full list of those killed or injured.
The circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation. Officials have not confirmed whether the aircraft was attempting to take off or preparing to land when it lost control.
Military Aircraft Transporting Currency
The plane involved in the accident was identified as a Hercules aircraft operated by the Bolivian Air Force. Authorities said it had been tasked with transporting newly issued banknotes from the country’s Central Bank to various cities across Bolivia.
Following the crash, large quantities of currency were seen scattered across the roadway and surrounding fields. Footage circulating on social media showed residents rushing toward the site to gather loose bills. Police officers in riot gear intervened to secure the area and disperse crowds.
Officials did not immediately provide an estimate of the total amount of money being transported at the time of the accident. Law enforcement personnel later established a perimeter to protect both the crash scene and the remaining currency.
Casualties and Ongoing Investigation
Fire Chief Tovar confirmed that at least 15 vehicles were involved in the incident, underscoring the scale of the destruction. Emergency medical teams transported several injured individuals to nearby hospitals. Authorities have yet to confirm how many of the deceased were passengers on the aircraft and how many were motorists.
Investigators from aviation and defense authorities are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, and weather conditions to determine what caused the crash. Bolivia’s military has not issued a detailed statement regarding potential technical failures or operational factors.
The crash has raised concerns about safety procedures at the airport serving La Paz and the surrounding urban areas of El Alto, where heavy traffic passes close to flight paths. Aviation experts say determining whether mechanical issues, pilot error, or external factors played a role will be critical in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Flights Temporarily Suspended
In the immediate aftermath, authorities temporarily halted all arrivals and departures at the nearby airport as emergency operations continued. Airport officials said the suspension was necessary to ensure safety while rescue teams worked at the scene and investigators began their assessment.
Normal flight operations are expected to resume once authorities confirm that the area is secure and that no additional risks remain. Government representatives have pledged transparency as the investigation proceeds.
The tragedy marks one of the most serious aviation incidents in Bolivia in recent years, leaving families grieving and raising urgent questions about flight safety protocols and infrastructure near densely populated zones.