A military transport aircraft carrying newly printed banknotes has crashed in La Paz, Bolivia, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens in one of the country’s deadliest recent aviation incidents.
Emergency responders reported that the Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft crashed on February 27, along a busy avenue during poor weather, causing extensive ground damage and prompting chaotic scenes as residents gathered at the site.
Local media, citing Bolivia’s Ministry of Defense, reported the aircraft was transporting currency for distribution to other regions. The crash occurred in El Alto, a densely populated city next to La Paz.
A firefighter told Unitel that at least 15 people were confirmed dead and about 30 others injured. Rescue teams transported victims to nearby hospitals while emergency crews secured the wreckage and cleared debris.
Television footage showed the aircraft severely damaged, with wreckage scattered across the avenue. Several vehicles on the road at the time were also heavily damaged, highlighting the scale of destruction in the urban area.
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Authorities stated the accident occurred during adverse weather, though the exact cause remains undetermined. Investigations will focus on technical and weather-related factors.
Bolivia plane crash leaves banknotes strewn across city street
The aircraft belonged to the Bolivian Air Force and was not part of the civilian fleet operated by Boliviana de Aviación.
After the crash, El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed while emergency services responded and aviation authorities assessed the situation.
Officials confirmed the Hercules transport plane was carrying large quantities of newly printed banknotes for distribution within Bolivia. Images and videos circulating on social media showed banknotes scattered across the crash site.
Local television footage showed people gathering near the wreckage and attempting to collect loose currency before security forces secured the area.
Emergency personnel pushed crowds back as authorities worked to preserve the crash site for investigators. Security forces were deployed to control crowds and prevent interference with rescue operations.
Officials urged residents to avoid the area as emergency crews continued search-and-recovery efforts. Bolivia’s central bank is expected to provide more details about the currency shipment and its destination.
Defense authorities will also release additional information about the aircraft and circumstances of the crash. The incident has drawn national attention due to the high casualty toll and the unusual cargo on the military flight.
According to GlobalMilitary.net, the Bolivian Air Force has 63 active aircraft including 4 combat aircraft and 27 helicopters as of 2026.
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The disaster occurred a month after another fatal aviation accident in eastern Colombia. 15 people died on January 28 when an aircraft operated by government airline Satena traveling from Cúcuta to Ocaña disappeared from radar shortly before landing.
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Authorities located the wreckage after local farmers reported the site. Among the victims were Diogenes Quintero, who holds a “peace seat” in the Congress, reserved for victims of the armed conflict. Also on the flight was Carlos Salcedo Salazar, a candidate for the same seat in upcoming elections.
“The national government, through the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority, confirm with deep pain the deaths of the people who were on board the HK-4709 plane from Cúcuta to Ocaña,” read a government statement.
The confirmation came some five hours after the plane left radar coverage as it last made contact with air traffic control at 11:54 AM and was due to land at 12:05 PM.
Investigators also cited adverse weather as a possible contributing factor, though inquiries are ongoing.
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