Kehinde Adegoke | Agency Report
Istanbul: At least 15 people were killed on Friday when a Bolivian military cargo plane crashed near the capital after veering off the runway and smashing into traffic in the neighbouring city of El Alto. The aircraft, reportedly transporting fresh banknotes, erupted into chaos as emergency crews battled flames and debris amid stunned residents and commuters.
At least 15 people died, and more than 30 were injured, authorities said.
The crash occurred at 6:20 pm local time (2220GMT) as the plane attempted to land at El Alto International Airport after departing Santa Cruz, the nation’s air traffic control authority reported.
Prior to the crash, the Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft had taken off from the eastern city of Santa Cruz. During landing, it veered off the runway and struck multiple vehicles on a crowded avenue.
The plane damaged a dozen cars after leaving the runway, then came to rest in a nearby field, officials confirmed.
Fire Chief Pavel Tovar said crews were still confirming if the victims were on the plane or in vehicles.
After the crash, firefighters extinguished the resulting flames.
The plane, carrying newly printed Bolivian banknotes, scattered its cargo across the roadway on impact. This prompted chaotic scenes as residents rushed to collect the cash while police in riot gear attempted to disperse crowds.
Authorities subsequently used water hoses to push people away from the debris area.
The Defence Ministry did not immediately release operational details.
The state air navigation authority, NAABOL, said the aircraft had flown from Santa Cruz, while officials continued to investigate whether the crash occurred during landing or takeoff.
