Bolivian military plane carrying banknotes crashes near capital, killing 20
#Bolivian military plane crash#Banknote transport accident#La Paz aviation incident#Weather-related aviation disaster#Currency security breach
📌 Key Takeaways
At least 20 people killed and 30 injured in Bolivian military plane crash
Plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed during severe weather conditions
Crowds scrambled for scattered banknotes, which authorities declared worthless
Two crew members remain unaccounted for as investigation continues
📖 Full Retelling
At least 20 people were killed and more than 30 injured when a Bolivian Air Force Hercules transport plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed onto a busy highway near El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia on Friday evening, February 28, 2026, as the aircraft attempted to land during a severe hailstorm with lightning. The military plane was transporting cash for the central bank when it skidded off the runway and ploughed into a nearby road, according to local authorities. Police Colonel Rene Tambo confirmed the death toll, while Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas reported that firefighters had successfully extinguished a fire that broke out after the crash. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, though witnesses described challenging weather conditions at the time of the incident. Footage shared on social media showed chaotic scenes at the crash site, where crowds gathered to collect scattered banknotes among the debris. Authorities used water hoses and tear gas to disperse onlookers and looters. The Ministry of Defence later clarified that the money transported had no official serial number and therefore no legal or purchasing power, warning that collecting or possessing the banknotes constitutes a crime. Bolivian Air Force General Sergio Lora revealed that two of the six crew members remained unaccounted for following the crash.
🏷️ Themes
Aviation disaster, Financial security, Public safety
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The crash of a Bolivian military plane carrying newly printed banknotes raises concerns about the security of the country's currency and the potential for illegal activity. The incident also highlights the dangers of operating aircraft in adverse weather conditions and the challenges of managing large sums of money.
Context & Background
Bolivia has experienced political instability and economic challenges in recent years.
The Bolivian Air Force operates a fleet of Hercules C-130 aircraft for transport and logistical support.
La Paz is a high-altitude city with challenging weather conditions that can impact air travel.
What Happens Next
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, focusing on factors such as weather conditions and mechanical failure. The central bank is expected to provide more details about the nature of the banknotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of banknotes were on the plane?
The banknotes were newly printed but lacked official serial numbers, rendering them legally worthless.
What was the weather like at the time of the crash?
A heavy hailstorm and lightning were present during the plane's descent.
Are there any reports of looting?
Yes, authorities reported crowds gathering at the crash site, with some individuals attempting to collect scattered banknotes, leading to the use of tear gas.
What is the significance of the money being un-serial numbered?
The lack of serial numbers means the money is not legally valid and attempting to use it is a crime.
Original Source
News | Aviation Bolivian military plane carrying banknotes crashes near capital, killing 20 Air force plane transporting cash veers off runway and into busy road; crowds scramble for scattered banknotes in the wreckage. Listen to this article | 2 mins By David D. Lee and AFP Published On 28 Feb 2026 28 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media Share Save Add Al Jazeera on Google At least 20 people have been killed and more than 30 injured after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules transport plane, carrying a cargo of newly printed banknotes, crashed onto a busy highway while attempting to land in bad weather near the capital, La Paz. The military plane was attempting to land on Friday evening at El Alto International Airport when it skidded off the runway and ploughed into a nearby road, local authorities said. Recommended Stories list of 4 items list 1 of 4 Afghanistan’s Taliban says open to talks after Pakistan bombs major cities list 2 of 4 Brazil flooding death toll rises to 64 as search efforts continue list 3 of 4 Trump, Iran and geopolitical mind games list 4 of 4 Trump administration charges 30 more people for Minnesota church protest end of list “There are about 20, maybe a few more,” Police Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the police homicide division in El Alto, said of the number of people killed. Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas said the Hercules C-130 “landed and veered off the runway” and came to a stop in a field. Firefighters responding to the crash successfully extinguished a fire that broke out, the minister said, noting that the cause of the crash remains under investigation. “A heavy hailstorm” was falling and “there was lightning” when the plane went down, Cristina Choque, a 60-year-old vendor whose car was struck by plane wreckage, told the AFP news agency. Footage shared on social media showed chaotic scenes as crowds gathered at the crash site. Some people appeared to collect banknotes scattered among debris from the aircraft, the wrecked vehicles an...
