Military Aircraft Crashes in Bolivia, Leaving at Least 15 Dead and Banknotes Scattered
A devastating military plane crash occurred on a busy road in El Alto, Bolivia, near the capital city of La Paz, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and 30 injuries, according to official reports. The incident, which took place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, involved a Bolivian Air Force Hercules C-130 aircraft that was transporting new banknotes from Santa Cruz to the country's interior.
Details of the Crash and Immediate Aftermath
Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas stated that the aircraft "landed and veered off the runway" before coming to rest in a nearby field. Firefighters quickly responded to extinguish the flames that engulfed the plane, but the crash caused significant damage to at least 15 vehicles on the highway. Video footage from local media showed the severely damaged aircraft and several wrecked cars along the road.
Local fire chief Pavel Tovar did not specify whether the victims were inside the plane or in the vehicles during the crash. Additionally, Bolivian Air Force General Sergio Lora reported that two of the six crew members remained missing as of late Friday, adding to the tragedy.
Chaotic Scenes as Banknotes Spill onto the Ground
Following the crash, social media footage captured chaotic scenes where hundreds of people attempted to pick up money that was strewn across the ground. Official reports indicate that more than 500 soldiers and 100 police officers were deployed to disperse the crowd, using water hoses to ward people off. Tovar emphasized that these individuals were hindering rescue efforts, complicating the emergency response.
Bolivian Central Bank president David Espinoza clarified that the banknotes "have no legal value because they never entered circulation." He did not disclose the exact amount of money being transported but noted that the banknotes had arrived from abroad. In response, police and military personnel burned the remaining cash boxes after the defence ministry warned that collecting or using the new banknotes would constitute a crime.
Investigation and Operational Impact
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, as authorities work to determine what led to the tragic event. In the aftermath, flights to and from the terminal were temporarily suspended but have since resumed, allowing normal operations to continue despite the disruption.
This incident highlights the severe consequences of aviation accidents in densely populated areas and underscores the challenges faced by emergency responders in managing such crises. The combination of loss of life, property damage, and the unusual circumstance of spilled banknotes has drawn significant attention to safety protocols and disaster management in Bolivia.
