Debris from the plane, wrecked cars and bodies were scattered across the roadway, with Tovar saying at least 15 vehicles were involved
La Paz, Bolivia: A military cargo plane crashed moments after takeoff Friday near Bolivia’s capital, damaging about a dozen vehicles on a highway and leaving at least 15 people dead, an official said.
Fire Chief Pavel Tovar said he could not immediately clarify whether the victims were on board the aircraft or in the vehicles struck on the road near the airport.
Also read | ‘I saw nothing, I did nothing’: Bill Clinton responds to questions on Epstein connections
The Hercules aircraft, operated by the Bolivian air force, skidded off the runway and slammed into traffic in El Alto, the city adjoining La Paz, before coming to rest in a nearby field, according to images circulating on social media.
Debris from the plane, wrecked cars and bodies were scattered across the roadway, with Tovar saying at least 15 vehicles were involved. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control.
Also read | Red Cross, Iran and UN urge Afghanistan-Pakistan to stop fighting and protect civilians
The aircraft had been transporting newly printed banknotes from the Central Bank to other cities. Large amounts of cash were seen strewn outside the airport, drawing crowds of people who rushed to collect the bills before police in riot gear dispersed them.
Authorities temporarily suspended all flights to and from the terminal following the crash.
Published: 28 Feb 2026, 06:30 am IST
Related Topics
Read articles on app
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.
