At Least 20 Killed, 31 Injured After Bolivian Air Force C-130 Crashes in El Alto, Scattered Banknotes Spark Chaos
A Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo plane crashed while landing at El Alto International Airport on Friday evening, killing at least 20 people and injuring 31 others, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 18:15 local time (22:15 GMT) as the aircraft — arriving from Santa Cruz with a consignment of banknotes destined for the Central Bank of Bolivia — reportedly skidded off the runway and collided with vehicles on a nearby road.
Bolivia’s Air Force commander, Sergio Lora, stated that eight crew members (including cargo personnel and flight crew) were aboard. Initial reports from firefighters put the death toll at 15, but it rose to at least 20 as emergency services recovered more bodies from the wreckage and affected vehicles.
The Bolivian Ministry of Health reported 31 injured and issued an urgent appeal for blood donations. One witness described a relative being struck on the head by falling aircraft debris while inside a car.
Scene of Chaos & Looting Attempts
Video footage showed the badly damaged aircraft on the ground, with scattered Bolivian banknotes across the crash site and surrounding area. Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to collect the money, leading to clashes in which some individuals threw rocks at officers.
The National Association of Journalists of Bolivia condemned attacks on media crews covering the crash, stating that journalists were targeted with stones and violence while working. At least a dozen people were arrested for attempting to steal the scattered banknotes.
Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas issued a stern warning:
“I want to make it clear to those who are trying to take money from the plane involved in this tragedy that this money has no legal value since it has not been issued by the Central Bank and does not have a serial number, and that attempting to use this money is a crime.”
He urged the public to refrain from vandalism and respect the mourning of the victims and their families.
Some witnesses reported a heavy hailstorm and lightning at the time of the crash, suggesting treacherous weather may have contributed. The exact cause remains under investigation, with aviation officials and military authorities examining black box data, weather records, and runway conditions.
El Alto International Airport — one of the highest commercial airports in the world at over 4,000 metres above sea level — was temporarily closed following the accident. Operations are expected to resume once safety assessments are complete.
President Luis Arce expressed condolences to the victims’ families and ordered a full investigation. The government has mobilised emergency services and is coordinating support for the injured.
The crash marks a tragic loss for Bolivia’s air force and has renewed calls for improved safety protocols at high-altitude airports, especially during adverse weather. Further updates are expected as recovery operations continue and the investigation progresses. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those injured in this devastating incident.
