A Bolivian Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane crashed onto a busy avenue near El Alto city airport, bordering La Paz, on the evening of 27/2. The incident resulted in 15 deaths and at least 30 injuries, according to firefighters.
Firefighters used water cannons to disperse a crowd at the scene of the money plane crash in Bolivia on 27/2. *Video: Sputnik*
The Bolivian Ministry of Defense stated the aircraft was transporting newly printed banknotes from the Central Bank to various localities when the accident occurred, though the exact quantity remains undisclosed. The Central Bank of Bolivia was scheduled to hold a press conference on 27/2 to provide further information on the incident.
Local officials reported the plane departed from Santa Cruz. Upon landing at El Alto city airport, it skidded off the runway before crashing onto a nearby avenue.
El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed following the accident. Footage from local media showed extensive damage to the aircraft and several vehicles on the avenue.
Social media videos depicted chaotic scenes as numerous individuals rushed to the crash site, reportedly collecting scattered banknotes. Authorities deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
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The transport plane was severely damaged after the accident. *Photo: X/UltimaHoraCR*
*Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)*
