Bolivian Military Plane Crash Scatters Cash, Kills At Least 15

A Bolivian Air Force Hercules C-130 aircraft crashed in El Alto, near La Paz, on Friday, February 27, 2026, killing at least 15 people and injuring at least 30 others, according to officials WVTM13. The plane was transporting new banknotes from Santa Cruz to the country’s interior when the incident occurred.

Details of the Crash

Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas stated that the aircraft “landed and veered off the runway” before crashing into a nearby field WVTM13. The extent of casualties remains unclear, with authorities still determining whether the victims were on board the plane or were individuals in vehicles on the ground at the time of the crash. As of late Friday, two of the plane’s six crew members were still unaccounted for WVTM13.

Video footage broadcast by local media showed significant damage to the aircraft and at least 15 vehicles along the road where the crash took place. Chaotic scenes unfolded as people reportedly began collecting money that was scattered on the ground following the crash WVTM13.

Response and Recovery Efforts

Hundreds of people attempting to collect the spilled bills initially hindered rescue efforts. More than 500 soldiers and 100 police officers were deployed to disperse the crowd, utilizing water hoses to control the situation WVTM13.

Bolivian Central Bank President David Espinoza clarified that the banknotes recovered “have no legal value because they never entered circulation.” He confirmed the bills had arrived from abroad but did not disclose the total amount being transported WVTM13. Police and military personnel subsequently burned the remaining cash, with the defense ministry warning that collecting or using the banknotes would be considered a crime.

Flight Resumption and Investigation

Flights to and from the terminal were temporarily suspended following the crash but have since resumed. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.

Defense Minister Raúl Marcelo Salinas spoke following the tragedy Instagram and Facebook.