Bolivia Plane Crash: Cargo Aircraft Crashes in La Paz, 15 Dead

A major aviation disaster occurred late Friday night near La Paz, Bolivia, when a military cargo aircraft crashed in the city of El Alto. The aircraft, identified as a Hercules transport plane belonging to the Bolivian Air Force, plummeted onto a busy highway adjacent to the airport. According to official reports, at least 15 people lost their lives in the incident, and several others sustained injuries. The plane was reportedly transporting a significant shipment of new banknotes from the Central Bank to other regions when the accident occurred.

Impact on the Highway and Surrounding Infrastructure

According to Fire Chief Pavel Tovar, the crash took place on a highway passing through a densely populated area of El Alto. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded, creating a massive fireball that engulfed several vehicles parked or moving along the road. Witnesses described a scene of total devastation, with aircraft debris and charred remains of cars scattered across the asphalt. The force of the crash caused extensive damage to local infrastructure, including power lines and road barriers, leading to an immediate closure of the thoroughfare.

Scattering of Banknotes and Public Response

The cargo plane was carrying a large consignment of currency issued by the Central Bank of Bolivia. The impact caused the storage containers to rupture, scattering bundles of banknotes across the crash site and surrounding areas. Footage shared on social media platforms showed chaotic scenes as some bystanders attempted to collect the scattered cash while emergency responders were arriving, while police units in riot gear were deployed to secure the area and prevent the looting of government property, establishing a strict security perimeter around the wreckage.

Casualty Reports and Emergency Services Response

Preliminary assessments confirm at least 15 fatalities resulting from the crash. Authorities are currently working to determine the exact number of victims who were on board the aircraft versus those on the ground. More than 15 vehicles were reportedly destroyed or severely damaged by the falling debris and subsequent fire. Emergency medical teams transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where many remain in critical condition. Forensic teams have been dispatched to the site to begin the process of identifying the deceased.

Disruption of Aviation Services at El Alto

Following the crash, all flight operations at El Alto International Airport were suspended until further notice, while airport authorities cited safety concerns and the need to clear the flight path of potential hazards as the primary reasons for the shutdown. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before successfully extinguishing the flames. The suspension of flights has led to significant disruptions for domestic and international travelers, with the airport terminal remaining crowded as passengers await updates on rescheduled services.

Official Investigation and Security Measures

The Bolivian Air Force and civil aviation regulators have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the disaster. It remains unclear whether the aircraft was attempting to take off or land at the time of the incident. Investigators are examining various factors, including potential mechanical failure, weight distribution of the cargo, and prevailing weather conditions. The recovery of the flight data recorder is expected to provide critical information regarding the final moments of the flight. Government officials have expressed their condolences and ordered a full security audit of military transport operations.