At least 15 people have died and around 30 others have been injured after a Lockheed C‑130 Hercules operated by the Bolivian Air Force crashed onto a busy avenue in El Alto, near the administrative capital La Paz, on Friday evening. The aircraft was transporting newly printed banknotes for the Central Bank of Bolivia when it overshot the runway at El Alto International Airport, veering onto a major roadway and striking numerous civilian vehicles.
Local authorities say the crash occurred amid poor weather conditions and heavy traffic, exacerbating the scale of destruction and casualties. Emergency services rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals, while investigators and defence officials work to determine the precise cause. Flights at the airport were temporarily suspended as rescue efforts continued.
Crash on Costanera Avenue: Chaos, Cash
The Hercules C-130, a large military transport aircraft, was carrying bundles of newly-printed banknotes for distribution from Bolivia’s Central Bank when it crashed at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time on Friday, officials said. Eyewitness videos broadcast on local media showed the aircraft veering off the runway at El Alto International Airport and ploughing into a busy thoroughfare known as Costanera Avenue, where scores of vehicles and passersby were caught in the path of destruction.
Fire Chief Colonel Pavel Tovar, speaking with reporters, confirmed that at least 15 people have been killed some trapped under the wreckage of the plane and others in vehicles that were struck during the violent impact. He did not specify how many victims were aboard the aircraft versus on the ground, noting that rescues and body recovery operations were still underway. Around 30 people were also reported injured, with several in critical condition, according to the La Paz fire department.
The crash scene was described by local media as chaotic: debris from the aircraft and destroyed vehicles littered the avenue, smoke billowed from the wreckage, and emergency workers used water hoses to clear the area. Banknotes were strewn across the road, leading residents and bystanders to rush toward the scattered cash, complicating rescue operations and prompting authorities to deploy security forces to control the crowd.
Authorities later clarified that the banknotes had not yet entered legal circulation and were due to be distributed as part of a fresh printing run by the Central Bank. The central bank said in a statement that the notes lacked serial numbers and therefore could not legally be used for transactions.
Airport Disruption, Weather, and Investigation
Following the accident, El Alto International Airport one of Bolivia’s busiest air hubs temporarily suspended all flight operations as firefighters, police, and military personnel worked through the night to clear the scene and assist survivors. The disruption affected both domestic and international flights, although authorities did not immediately detail the full extent of cancellations or delays.
Initial reports suggest that weather conditions may have played a significant role in the accident. El Alto, situated at an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters above sea level, is known for rapidly shifting weather and challenging flying conditions. Some local witnesses told broadcasters that heavy winds and possible hail earlier on Friday may have affected the aircraft’s ability to maintain control during landing or takeoff though official investigators have not yet confirmed this.
The Bolivian Ministry of Defence confirmed the crash but has been cautious about releasing immediate conclusions. Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas said officials were examining all possible factors, including mechanical failure, runway conditions, and human error. In his remarks, he reiterated that it would take time to complete a comprehensive investigation.
Military leadership, including Gen. Sergio Lora of the Bolivian Air Force, noted that up to two of the aircraft’s six crew members were unaccounted for as of late Friday, though search efforts continued. Rescue teams reported that the plane’s cargo compartment was extensively damaged, making access and recovery operations difficult.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic event in Bolivia is a stark reminder of how swiftly normal life can be upended by accidents particularly in densely populated urban areas. The loss of at least 15 lives and injury of dozens more represents profound human suffering, not just for the families directly affected but for entire communities that are now grappling with grief and shock. As reports show locals rushing toward scattered banknotes amid the chaos, there is a poignant human lesson about dignity and collective responsibility in times of crisis.
