A military cargo plane crash in El Alto, Bolivia, has left at least 20 people dead and more than 30 injured, authorities confirmed. The air force aircraft was attempting to land on Friday evening after flying from Santa Cruz when it reportedly skidded off the runway and crashed into nearby vehicles.
The plane, identified as a C-130 Hercules, was transporting banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia. Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas said the money scattered at the crash site had no legal value because it lacked official serial numbers. Air Force commander Sergio Lora confirmed eight crew members were on board.
Chaos followed the crash as crowds tried to collect the banknotes, forcing police to use tear gas. Several people were arrested, and journalists reported being attacked while covering the scene.
El Alto International Airport was temporarily shut down. Witnesses told Reuters and Agence France-Presse that heavy hail, lightning, and strong winds hit the area at the time. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause.
