Tragic Plane Crash Near La Paz Claims Lives and Sparks Chaos

Devastating Incident at El Alto International Airport

El Alto (near La Paz), February 28, 2026 – A significant aviation disaster occurred on Friday evening at El Alto International Airport, close to Bolivia's capital, La Paz. A Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules military cargo aircraft, transporting newly printed banknotes, skidded off the runway during landing due to adverse weather conditions and crashed onto a nearby highway.

At least 15 individuals have lost their lives, with over 30 others sustaining injuries. The aircraft crushed approximately a dozen vehicles parked on the highway, igniting a fire that firefighters managed to extinguish. Among the six crew members aboard, two are still reported missing. The deceased include both crew members and individuals present on the highway.

Following the crash, the cargo – freshly printed banknotes from the central bank – was scattered everywhere. Viral videos on social media depicted a rain of banknotes on the road, prompting hundreds to rush to collect them, which hindered rescue operations. Police had to deploy water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Central Bank President David Espinoza stated that these notes had not yet entered circulation, lacked serial numbers, and thus held no legal value, making their collection or use illegal.

An investigation into the causes of the accident is underway, with poor weather being cited as a primary factor. The El Alto Airport has been temporarily closed. The plane had taken off from Santa Cruz, where it was carrying the banknotes to La Paz.

This incident is profoundly tragic, resulting in loss of life while simultaneously witnessing people scrambling to collect money. Authorities have deployed over 500 soldiers and 100 police officers to manage the crowd.