At least 15 people killed in Bolivian military plane crash
Plane was transporting new banknotes from Central Bank to other cities
Crash damaged multiple vehicles on highway near La Paz
Money scattered at crash site led to chaotic scenes with people attempting to collect bills
📖 Full Retelling
A Bolivian military cargo plane carrying new banknotes from the Central Bank crashed Friday near Bolivia's capital, killing at least 15 people and scattering bills across the crash site in El Alto, adjacent to La Paz. The Hercules aircraft, operated by the Bolivian air force, was transporting currency to other cities when the disaster occurred, damaging numerous vehicles on a highway before coming to rest in a field. Local fire chief Pavel Tovar confirmed the death toll but did not specify whether victims were aboard the aircraft or in vehicles on the highway near the airport in La Paz. The aircraft struck multiple vehicles in El Alto before crashing, with images circulating on social media showing debris scattered across the road and bodies in the area. Firefighters worked to extinguish flames engulfing the wreckage, and authorities reported that at least 15 vehicles were involved in the incident. The crash caused widespread chaos as a large number of newly printed banknotes scattered across the crash site, prompting some bystanders to attempt to collect the money. Police in riot gear were deployed to disperse crowds trying to gather the currency. In response to the emergency, authorities temporarily suspended all flights to and from the terminal at La Paz airport.
🏷️ Themes
Aviation disaster, Currency transport, Public safety
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The crash of a Bolivian military cargo plane carrying a large amount of money raises concerns about security and the potential for financial instability. The scattering of bills could also lead to looting and further complications.
Context & Background
Bolivia has experienced political and economic instability in recent years.
The Bolivian Air Force operates a fleet of Hercules aircraft for cargo transport.
The Central Bank of Bolivia is responsible for printing and distributing currency.
What Happens Next
An investigation will likely be launched to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities will need to secure the crash site and manage the distribution of the scattered banknotes. Flight operations are expected to remain suspended temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of plane crashed?
A Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft crashed.
How many people are confirmed dead?
At least 15 people have been reported dead.
What was the plane carrying?
The plane was transporting new banknotes from the Central Bank to other cities.
Are there reports of looting?
Yes, images show people collecting the scattered bills, and police are attempting to disperse them.
Original Source
World More than a dozen killed when military cargo plane carrying money crashes in Bolivia, local official says February 27, 2026 / 9:11 PM EST / AP Add CBS News on Google A Bolivian military cargo plane carrying money crashed Friday near Bolivia's capital, damaging about a dozen vehicles on a highway, scattering bills on the ground and leaving at least 15 people dead, an official said. Pavel Tovar, a local fire chief, did not clarify whether the dead were in the plane or in the cars on the highway near the airport in La Paz. He said there were people injured. The aircraft struck vehicles in the city of El Alto, which is adjacent to La Paz, before coming to rest in a field, according to images circulating on social media. There were conflicting reports of whether the plane was taking off or landing when it crashed. Debris from the aircraft destroyed cars, and bodies littered the road. According to Tovar, at least 15 vehicles were involved. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames engulfing the aircraft. The plane, a Hercules aircraft belonging to the Bolivian air force, was transporting new banknotes from the Central Bank to other cities and a large number of bills scattered on the ground at the crash site. Images circulating on social media showed people rushing to collect the bills while police in riot gear tried to disperse them Authorities temporarily suspended all flights to and from the terminal. In: Plane Crash Bolivia
