A devastating air disaster struck Bolivia on Friday evening, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 15 lives and leaving 30 more individuals injured. The incident involved an Air Force Hercules aircraft that was transporting a consignment of new banknotes, which crashed under severe weather conditions in the city of El Alto, situated near the nation's capital, La Paz.
Chaotic Scenes and Emergency Response
Local authorities reported that the military aircraft had originated from Santa Cruz before attempting to land. However, during the landing procedure, the plane skidded off the runway and careened onto a neighboring busy avenue, leading to catastrophic consequences. The chaotic aftermath saw residents flocking to the crash site, where they were observed picking up money that had been scattered across the ground following the impact.
Authorities Struggle to Control the Situation
In an effort to manage the escalating chaos and secure the area, local officials on the scene employed water hoses and tear gas to ward off the gathering crowds. This response highlights the severe disruption and public safety concerns triggered by the accident.
Impact on Infrastructure and Aviation
The El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed in the wake of the crash, as confirmed by Boliviana de Aviacion, the national airline, in an official statement. The airline clarified that the aircraft involved did not belong to its fleet, underscoring the military nature of the flight.
Extensive Damage and Ongoing Investigations
Video footage broadcast on local media outlets revealed the Hercules aircraft was severely damaged, with a number of vehicles along the avenue also suffering significant harm. The visual evidence paints a grim picture of the crash's destructive force.
Bolivia's central bank is scheduled to address reporters later on Friday evening, likely to provide further details on the incident and the status of the banknotes. As this remains a breaking news story, additional updates are anticipated as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
