20 Killed in Bolivia Plane Crash
Last update: February 28, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
Authorities say aircraft veered off the runway during severe weather, injuring at least 28 people...
At least 20 people have been confirmed dead after a Bolivian military cargo aircraft transporting banknotes crashed while attempting to land near the capital, La Paz, police said.
The aircraft, a C-130 Hercules transport plane manufactured by Lockheed Martin, reportedly veered off the runway at El Alto International Airport before crashing into a busy avenue.
Several vehicles were destroyed, and trucks along the roadway sustained heavy damage.
Dramatic footage from the scene showed wreckage strewn across the road as bystanders scrambled to pick up banknotes scattered around the crash site.
Police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, and authorities were later seen burning recovered cash in a bonfire at the scene.
The cause of the crash has not been officially determined, but witnesses cited extreme weather conditions at the time.
“A heavy hailstorm” was falling and “there was lightning” when the plane went down, said Cristina Choque, a 60-year-old vendor whose car was struck by debris.
“The tyre is what fell on top of us… my daughter is injured, she has a head wound,” Choque told AFP.
Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the police homicide division in El Alto, told reporters late Friday that “there are about 20, maybe a few more” casualties. Earlier, Colonel Pavel Tovar of the National Fire Department had estimated the death toll at “between 15 and 16 people.”
“We are recovering the bodies of these people who have sadly suffered in the accident,” Tovar said.
Bolivia’s health ministry confirmed that at least 28 people were injured.
CBI News reports that fatalities were recorded both at the airport and along the avenue where the aircraft struck multiple vehicles.
The Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports Authority (NAABOL) said the plane had departed from Santa Cruz and crashed while landing at El Alto International Airport, which has since suspended operations.
In a statement, the Defence Ministry announced a full investigation into the incident and warned that the money being transported carried no official serial numbers and therefore “has no legal or purchasing power.”
“Its collection, possession, or use constitutes a crime,” the ministry added.
The La Paz Prosecutor’s Office disclosed that some businesses were targeted by criminals exploiting the chaos.
Prosecutor Luis Carlos Torres confirmed that “Twelve people have been arrested” for questioning.
Hospitals in El Alto have launched a blood donation campaign to assist victims.
La Paz, located about 3,650 metres above sea level and surrounded by the Andes, is the world’s highest administrative capital.
