ISLAMABAD: A Bolivian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed onto a busy highway near El Alto International Airport on Friday evening, claiming at least 20 lives and injuring more than 30 others in one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the country in recent years.
The crash occurred around 6:15 pm local time as the plane attempted to land after departing from Santa Cruz in eastern Bolivia.
Authorities confirmed the aircraft veered off the runway amid adverse weather conditions, including reports of hail earlier in the day, before ploughing into vehicles on a crowded avenue adjacent to the airport.
The plane burst into flames upon impact, destroying or damaging about a dozen cars and trucks.
Eyewitness accounts described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the road and flames engulfing parts of the wreckage.
The Bolivian Air Force identified the aircraft as a C-130 Hercules, a widely used military transport model manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
It carried a cargo of newly printed banknotes destined for the Central Bank of Bolivia, intended for distribution to various cities.
Following the crash, large sums of currency spilled onto the ground, prompting crowds to gather and attempt to collect the scattered bills.
Police deployed tear gas in some areas to disperse looters and secure the site.
Firefighters quickly responded to extinguish the blaze, preventing further explosions or spread of fire.
Initial reports from fire chief Pavel Tovar indicated at least 15 fatalities, but the toll rose to around 20 as rescue operations continued late into the night.
Colonel Rene Tambo, head of the police homicide division in El Alto, updated the casualty figure to approximately 20 dead, with the possibility of more.
Health ministry sources reported at least 28 to over 30 injured individuals transferred to nearby hospitals.
The victims included people on the ground in vehicles struck by the aircraft, though the exact breakdown between crew and civilians remained unclear initially.
The plane had six crew members on board, and Bolivian Air Force General Sergio Lora noted that two were unaccounted for as of late Friday.
No immediate confirmation emerged on whether all crew perished or if some survived.
El Alto International Airport, serving the capital La Paz and located at a high altitude of over 4,000 meters, suspended operations following the incident.
The Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports authority NAABOL announced the temporary closure to facilitate rescue, investigation, and recovery efforts.
Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas described the sequence as the plane landing before veering off the runway for about a kilometer.
He emphasized that investigations would determine the precise cause.
Preliminary speculation pointed to challenging weather, including potential icing on the runway from earlier hail, contributing to loss of control during landing.
The C-130 Hercules, known for its rugged design and ability to operate in difficult environments, has a long service history with the Bolivian Air Force.
This model frequently handles cargo transport, including sensitive shipments like currency.
Experts noted that high-altitude airports like El Alto pose unique risks, with thinner air affecting engine performance and braking.
Bolivia’s aviation safety record includes occasional incidents, though major crashes remain rare.
The Central Bank of Bolivia later indicated that damaged or recovered banknotes would be incinerated as per protocol to prevent circulation of compromised currency.
The incident drew immediate responses from government officials, who expressed condolences to families of the victims.
President Luis Arce’s administration pledged full support for affected families and a thorough probe.
International observers, including aviation bodies, may monitor the investigation given the aircraft’s foreign manufacture.
Rescue teams continued searching the wreckage into the night for any remaining survivors or bodies.
Local media footage showed military personnel guarding the site while investigators began their work.
The crash highlights ongoing concerns about infrastructure and weather-related hazards at high-elevation airports in the Andes region.
Communities in El Alto, one of Bolivia’s most populous cities, expressed shock at the tragedy unfolding so close to daily life.
As details emerge, the focus remains on supporting the injured and uncovering factors that led to this devastating event.