A military cargo aircraft carrying banknotes belonging to the Central Bank crashed near the city of La Paz in Bolivia. At least 15 people lost their lives.
Crash Near the Capital Causes Tragedy
A military cargo plane loaded with cash crashed near Bolivia’s capital, La Paz. In the accident, which occurred on Friday, at least 15 people were killed, while approximately a dozen vehicles on the highway sustained heavy damage.
Authorities announced that flights in the area were temporarily suspended following the crash.
Death Toll Unclear, Injuries Reported
Fire Chief Pavel Tovar did not provide details on whether those who died were on board the aircraft or inside vehicles on the highway. Tovar stated that at least 15 vehicles were involved in the crash and that there were injured individuals.
Following the accident, wrecked vehicles and aircraft debris were scattered across the road. Fire crews managed to bring the flames engulfing the aircraft under control.
Scattered Banknotes Draw Attention
It was learned that the Hercules-type aircraft belonging to the Bolivian Air Force was transporting newly printed banknotes from the Central Bank to other cities. Numerous banknotes were seen scattered across the crash site.
Footage shared on social media showed some individuals heading to the scene to collect the money, while riot police attempted to disperse the crowd.
Flights Temporarily Suspended
Authorities reported that all arrivals and departures at the terminal in La Paz were temporarily suspended for security reasons. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
All Details Regarding the Crash
- A military cargo aircraft carrying cash crashed.
- In the city of El Alto, adjacent to La Paz, in a highway and field area near the airport.
- On Friday.
- A Hercules-type aircraft belonging to the Bolivian Air Force was involved in the crash. The statement was made by Fire Chief Pavel Tovar.
- The aircraft struck vehicles on the highway before crashing into a field; a fire broke out afterward.
- The cause of the crash has not yet been clarified. There are conflicting reports as to whether the aircraft was in the takeoff or landing phase.
Previous Accidents
January 14, 2000 — C-130B Hercules Crash (Chimore)
A Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft, C-130B (reg. TAM-60), while serving in the inventory of the Bolivian Air Force, went out of control during takeoff in Chimore.
After losing directional stability on the runway, the aircraft overran the runway by approximately 600 meters, struck a ditch, and was dragged into a wooded area where it broke apart. The impact caused severe structural damage to the aircraft.
Five people were killed in the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed and deemed economically beyond repair.
Aviation Safety Network – C-130B Hercules TAM60 accident record page
December 21, 1989 — C-130A Hercules Crash (Guayaramerín)
A Lockheed C-130 Hercules C-130A (reg. TAM62) experienced a serious technical malfunction shortly after takeoff in Guayaramerín.
Following the failure of the third engine during the initial climb phase, the aircraft lost power and balance. The crew was unable to regain control, and the aircraft crashed near the departure path.
The aircraft was completely lost following the crash. Twenty-two people lost their lives in the incident. In official records, the aircraft was listed as a “hull loss.”
BAAA – Bolivia C-130 accident archive list
- The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a durable platform used worldwide for military logistics and tactical transport missions, known for its operational capability in challenging runway and climate conditions.
- However, high-altitude airfields, limited runway infrastructure, tropical climate conditions, and maintenance–logistics challenges can increase operational risks, particularly in South America. In high-altitude and infrastructure-limited regions such as Bolivia, these factors can play a decisive role in accidents.
- The latest incident in 2026 has been recorded as one of the most recent and deadliest Hercules crashes in Bolivia.
