El Alto, Bolivia. The death toll has risen to 20 after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft crashed on Friday evening during bad weather in El Alto, near the capital La Paz, according to police cited by AFP.
Flight details and crash site
Local authorities said the military aircraft departed from Santa Cruz and crashed after landing, skidding off the runway onto a neighboring avenue. The plane was carrying new banknotes from Bolivia’s central bank.
Scene footage and response
Social media footage showed people gathering at the crash site and appearing to pick up money strewn on the ground. Local authorities at the scene used water hoses and tear gas to ward people off, while Reuters said it was unable to identify the images.
Airport closure and statements
El Alto International Airport was closed temporarily following the crash, national airline Boliviana de Aviacion said, adding the aircraft involved did not belong to its fleet. Bolivia’s central bank was set to address reporters later on Friday evening.
Damage reported
Video broadcast on local media showed the aircraft was severely damaged, along with a number of vehicles along the avenue where the crash took place.
What further information will authorities provide about the cause of the crash and the banknotes being transported?
