Virgilio Lorenzo Jr

Bolivian cargo plane crash kills 22, sparks unrest as authorities burn scattered banknotes

Article (news)

BOLIVIA

Reuters Wires

A Bolivian Air Force cargo plane carrying 18 tons of banknotes crashed in the densely populated city of El Alto on Friday evening (February 27), killing 22 people including four children and injuring 30 others, according to authorities.The Hercules aircraft was transporting currency intended to replace older notes when it went down near El Alto International Airport, with the first pilot remaining in intensive care as of Saturday (February 28).Deputy Minister of Interior Hernan Paredes said the plane narrowly avoided crashing into approximately 40 residential buildings after pilots executed an emergency turn, crediting their actions with preventing a larger catastrophe.Thousands of people arrived at the crash site shortly after impact and attempted to collect scattered banknotes from the ground, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas and arrest 49 individuals for vandalism, Paredes said.Authorities began burning the currency, stating the bills had no legal value and possession constituted a crime, while Paredes confirmed that insurance would reimburse the Central Bank and that compensation would be provided to victims&#x27; families.The incident sparked anger among El Alto residents who protested the destruction of the money, with local resident Marcelino Poma stating poor families needed those funds. El Alto, one of Bolivia&#x27;s poorest and fastest-growing cities, developed above the capital La Paz as migrants sought work in the late 20th century.

A Bolivian Air Force cargo plane carrying 18 tons of banknotes crashed in the densely populated city of El Alto on Friday evening (February 27), killing 22 people including four children and injuring 30 others, according to authorities.

A Bolivian Air Force cargo plane carrying 18 tons of banknotes crashed in the densely populated city of El Alto on Friday evening (February 27), killing 22 people including four children and injuring 30 others, according to authorities.

Bolivian cargo plane crash kills 22, sparks unrest as authorities burn scattered banknotes

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Bolivian cargo plane crash kills 22, sparks unrest as authorities burn scattered banknotes

Reuters

Published March 01, 2026 05:06 PM PHT

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