Military Cargo Plane Carrying Banknotes Crashes Near La Paz, Bolivia

In Brief

A Bolivian military plane transporting banknotes crashed near La Paz, causing multiple fatalities and injuries.

Key Facts

• A Bolivian military cargo plane crashed near La Paz, close to El Alto, on June 14, 2024.
• The plane was carrying approximately 18 tons of new banknotes from Bolivia's Central Bank.
• Banknotes scattered on the highway after the crash, prompting police to disperse crowds.
• The crash damaged about a dozen vehicles on a busy road near the airport.
• Reported fatalities range from at least 15 to 22, with dozens injured.

What Happened

A Bolivian Air Force cargo plane transporting new banknotes crashed near La Paz, close to El Alto, damaging vehicles on a highway and scattering cash. Police and riot units dispersed crowds gathering at the site. The death toll is reported between 15 and 22, with many injured.

Why It Matters

The incident highlights risks associated with transporting large sums of currency by air and the potential for public disorder following such accidents. It also raises questions about aviation safety and emergency response in Bolivia, as well as the impact on local infrastructure and affected families. Fatality counts vary between sources, ranging from 11 to 22. Some reports do not specify whether victims were in the plane or on the highway.