Banknotes-Laden Bolivian Air Force C-130J Aircraft Crashes, 15 Killed

A Bolivian military transport plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed while landing near El Alto International Airport, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 30 others, authorities said.

The aircraft, a Bolivian Air Force C-130H Hercules, had departed from Santa Cruz bound for La Paz, transporting freshly printed currency from the country’s central bank. 

Officials said the plane landed in poor weather but skidded off the runway and crashed onto a nearby roadway, striking several vehicles.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene as smoke billowed from the wreckage. Victims included military personnel and civilians on the ground. The injured were transported to local hospitals, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

In the chaotic aftermath, banknotes scattered across the crash site, drawing crowds who scrambled to collect the loose cash. Police fired tear gas to disperse onlookers and secure the area so rescue operations could continue.