The Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft was carrying newly printed boliviano banknotes for the Central Bank of Bolivia when it lost control, scattering thousands of bills across the crash site and triggering chaotic scenes.
BY PC Bureau
February 28, 2026— At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 injured on Friday evening when a Bolivian Air Force cargo plane transporting newly printed banknotes skidded off the runway and crashed onto a crowded highway near La Paz, triggering a deadly disaster that left wrecked vehicles, scattered currency, and scenes of chaos.
The accident occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time at El Alto International Airport, one of the world’s highest airports, located more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. The aircraft, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules operated by the Bolivian Air Force, had been transporting currency for the Central Bank of Bolivia when it veered off the runway during landing.
According to emergency officials, the large military transport plane failed to stop in time, overshot the runway perimeter, and crashed directly onto a busy avenue in the neighboring city of El Alto. The aircraft plowed into at least a dozen civilian vehicles during peak traffic hours, crushing cars, igniting fires, and trapping occupants inside mangled wreckage.
A C-130H Hercules with the Bolivian Air Force crashed earlier this evening on a major roadway outside of El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia, killing 15 and injuring more than 30. The C-130, which had departed from Santa Cruz several hours before carrying new… pic.twitter.com/uP1VTAaFNb
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 28, 2026
Fire chief Pavel Tovar confirmed the death toll had reached 15, with more than 30 others suffering injuries ranging from burns and fractures to critical trauma. Rescue teams worked late into the night pulling victims from destroyed vehicles and extinguishing flames that threatened to spread further along the highway.
“It was a catastrophic scene,” one emergency responder told local media. “There were burning vehicles, injured civilians on the road, and debris scattered across a wide area.”
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Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas said the aircraft had completed its landing but was unable to remain on the runway, sliding uncontrollably before crashing into the adjacent roadway. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many crew members were aboard or how many were among the fatalities.
The cargo plane had been carrying freshly printed boliviano banknotes intended for distribution across Bolivia’s financial system. Following the crash, thousands of bills spilled from the aircraft’s ruptured cargo hold and were blown across the highway and surrounding streets.
Videos shared on social media showed civilians rushing toward the wreckage and collecting loose banknotes scattered across the crash site. The scenes quickly turned chaotic, forcing police to deploy riot control units. Officers used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds and secure the area amid fears of looting and public disorder.
In an emergency statement, the Central Bank warned that any banknotes removed from the crash site without authorization would be invalid and not recognized as legal tender. Officials urged citizens to return recovered currency and warned of possible legal consequences for theft or unlawful possession.
The crash also brought traffic in El Alto to a complete standstill, as authorities cordoned off one of the city’s busiest transport corridors. Emergency vehicles, military personnel, and investigators flooded the area, while recovery teams began the grim task of identifying victims and clearing wreckage.
Investigators from Bolivia’s civil aviation authority and military have launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the accident. While the exact reason remains unknown, early reports suggest that difficult landing conditions at the high-altitude airport, combined with possible mechanical issues or runway factors, may have contributed to the disaster.
El Alto International Airport’s extreme elevation has long posed operational challenges for aircraft due to thinner air, reduced engine performance, and longer stopping distances.
The Bolivian government expressed condolences to the families of those killed and promised a full and transparent investigation. Officials said safety reviews would be conducted to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The crash represents one of Bolivia’s deadliest aviation incidents in recent years and has drawn international attention due to the unusual cargo and dramatic aftermath. Authorities remain on site as recovery efforts continue and the country grapples with the scale of the tragedy.
