Bolivian Military Plane Crash in El Alto Leaves At Least 12 Dead

A Bolivian military plane crashed on Friday whereas attempting to land at the airport in El Alto, near La Paz, resulting in at least 12 confirmed fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident also caused damage to several vehicles on the ground.

What Happened?

The aircraft, a Hercules C-130 belonging to the Bolivian Air Force (FAB), crashed while attempting to land at El Alto International Airport. Initial reports suggest the plane may have touched down and been unable to stop, potentially due to icy conditions caused by an earlier hailstorm Telemundo. However, official confirmation regarding the cause is pending an investigation by the Minister of Defense, Marcelo Salinas.

Casualties and Damage

As of Saturday, February 27, 2026, authorities have confirmed at least 12 deaths and six injuries Facebook. Approximately 15 vehicles were affected by the crash, including cars, trucks and minibuses Telemundo.

Money Scattered at the Crash Site

Reports indicate the plane was transporting a significant sum of money from the Banco Central de Bolivia (BCB). Following the crash, nearly 5,000 people gathered at the scene and collected the scattered banknotes Telemundo.

Response and Investigation

Firefighters and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Colonel Pavel Tovar, the national director of Firefighters, reported that 11 firefighters and 10 civilians were treated for monoxide poisoning, though all are currently stable Red Uno. The incident is under investigation, and a technical and medical evaluation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash and assess the condition of those affected Red Uno.

Separate Incident: Bus Fire in Oruro

In a separate incident on February 27, 2026, a fire broke out in Oruro, Bolivia, destroying five buses and affecting 10 firefighters and 11 civilians with smoke inhalation Red Uno. Colonel Pavel Tovar attributed the bus fire to welding work in a mechanical workshop and highlighted a lack of prevention measures and adequate equipment in such establishments Red Uno.