At least 20 people were killed after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft carrying banknotes crashed onto a busy avenue in El Alto on Friday evening amid poor weather conditions, according to local television reports and the defence ministry.
The military cargo plane was carrying newly printed banknotes to other parts of the country when it came down near Bolivia’s administrative capital, La Paz, as reported by Reuters. Footage shared on social media showed chaotic scenes as crowds gathered around the wreckage, with some people appearing to collect banknotes scattered across the road. Local authorities were seen using water hoses in an effort to disperse onlookers.
Images broadcast by local media showed the aircraft badly damaged, along with several vehicles on the avenue. The El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed following the crash. Officials have yet to confirm whether there were any injuries or fatalities.
