Bolivia cash plane crash kills at least fifteen
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LA PAZ — A Bolivian military C-130 transport plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed while landing at El Alto International Airport on Friday, veering off the runway and hitting vehicles on a nearby avenue, officials and news agencies said. Firefighters extinguished flames, authorities recovered bodies and police repelled bystanders who rushed to seize scattered bills. Local witnesses reported heavy hail and lightning at the time. Officials gave differing death tolls, with most reports citing at least 15 fatalities and some reporting up to 20, and investigators have launched an inquiry into the cause. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Flight carrying newly printed banknotes departed Santa Cruz en route to El Alto (Feb 28, 2026).
- 2. During landing at El Alto International Airport the C-130 veered off the runway and crashed into a nearby avenue (Feb 28, 2026).
- 3. Wreckage and scattered banknotes attracted bystanders; multiple vehicles were damaged and fires were reported at the scene (Feb 28, 2026).
- 4. Firefighters extinguished fires, authorities recovered bodies, police repelled crowds and some reports noted money being burned at the scene (Feb 28, 2026).
- 5. Officials reported at least 15 fatalities (some reports 20), two crew members initially unaccounted for, and opened an investigation into causes (Feb 28, 2026 onward).
Why it matters
This tragic event is a stark reminder of the risks involved in transporting cash. It's not just about money loss, but the potential for human casualties. If you're in a job that involves handling or transporting large amounts of cash, this might be a good time to review safety protocols.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
