Authorities in Bolivia have launched an investigation after a military aircraft crashed near El Alto International Airport, killing several people and injuring dozens, while officials were later seen burning large amounts of money recovered from the wreckage.
According to AFP, the crash occurred during severe weather conditions, with heavy hail and lightning reported at the time of the incident.
“A heavy hailstorm was falling and there was lightning when the plane went down,” said Cristina Choque, a 60-year-old vendor whose vehicle was struck by debris from the aircraft. She added that a tire from the plane landed on her car, leaving her daughter with a head injury.
Bolivia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the crash.
Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the police homicide division in El Alto, said late Friday that casualties numbered “about 20, maybe a few more,” while Colonel Pavel Tovar of the National Fire Department earlier reported between 15 and 16 fatalities.
The country’s Health Ministry said at least 28 people were injured in the disaster.
Officials said deaths were recorded both at the airport and along a busy avenue where the aircraft crashed into several vehicles.
The Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports Authority (NAABOL) disclosed that the C-130 Hercules aircraft had departed from Santa Cruz and crashed while attempting to land at El Alto International Airport, which has since suspended operations.
In a controversial development, authorities at the crash site burned bundles of cash recovered from the aircraft. The Defense Ministry explained that the money carried aboard had no official serial numbers and therefore held no legal or purchasing value.
“It has no legal or purchasing power,” the ministry said, warning that collecting, possessing, or using the money constitutes a criminal offense.
Security forces also arrested 12 individuals after reports emerged of looting and criminal activity amid the chaos at the crash scene. Prosecutor Luis Carlos Torres confirmed the arrests, adding that investigations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, hospitals in El Alto have launched an emergency blood donation campaign to support victims receiving treatment following the crash.
