Bolivian Military Plane Carrying Cash Crashes in La Paz

At least 15 people were killed on Friday after a Bolivian military cargo plane crashed while landing near La Paz, authorities confirmed.

The aircraft, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport plane, veered off the runway at El Alto International Airport before crashing into a nearby avenue. The impact destroyed several cars and damaged trucks on the busy road.

Colonel Pavel Tovar of Bolivia’s National Fire Department said that between 15 and 16 people have been confirmed dead. Rescue teams are still recovering bodies from the crash site. At least two dozen other people were injured in the accident.

The Bolivian Ministry of Defense confirmed the crash but did not provide further details about the cause. Authorities have not yet announced what led to the aircraft losing control during landing.

The plane had departed from the eastern city of Santa Cruz and was carrying Bolivian banknotes. After the crash, large amounts of cash scattered across the road. Police were forced to use tear gas to disperse bystanders who tried to collect the money.

Fatalities were reported both at the airport and along the avenue where the aircraft struck multiple vehicles. Images from the scene showed wreckage and damaged cars spread across the roadway.

The Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports authority, NAABOL, stated that airport operations were suspended following the crash.

La Paz, located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) and surrounded by the Andes mountains, is the world’s highest administrative capital. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the tragic accident.