News Flash Daily
28 February 
Aircraft Skids Off Runway in La Paz, Scatters Newly Printed Banknotes; Crowds Risk Lives as Flames Engulf Wreckage
La Paz, Bolivia: The horrifying crash has once again raised serious questions over aviation safety and crowd control, after visuals from the scene showed currency notes strewn across the highway and people risking their lives amid fire and wreckage to grab the cash.
Crash Near El Alto Airport Triggers Chaos
The tragic incident occurred near El Alto Airport, close to La Paz. The aircraft involved was a Hercules C-130 cargo plane operated by the Bolivian Air Force, which was transporting freshly printed currency notes meant for official circulation.
According to preliminary reports, the aircraft lost control during landing, skidded off the runway, and veered onto an adjoining highway. It rammed into more than 15 moving vehicles, causing massive destruction. Moments later, the plane burst into flames, creating a terrifying and chaotic scene.
Death Toll at 15; Crew Members Missing
Fire Services Chief Pavel Tovar confirmed that at least 15 people were killed in the crash. However, authorities are still verifying whether the deceased were passengers aboard the aircraft or motorists on the highway.
Bolivian Air Force officials stated that two out of six crew members remain missing, while several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.
“Rescue operations are ongoing, and identification of victims is still in progress,” said Fire Services Chief Pavel Tovar.
Crowds Rush to Collect Scattered Currency
As the aircraft broke apart, bundles of banknotes flew across the road, landing amid burning debris and damaged vehicles. Shockingly, locals and passersby rushed toward the crash site to collect the money, ignoring the danger from fire and possible explosions.
Police were forced to use crowd-control measures, including a lathi-charge, to disperse people and secure the area.
Twist: Collected Money Has No Legal Value
In a major clarification, the Central Bank of Bolivia announced that the currency notes collected by the public hold no legal tender value.
Central Bank President David Espinoza stated that the notes were newly printed, had not entered circulation, and did not contain serial numbers, making them legally equivalent to plain paper.
“These notes are not valid currency and cannot be used for transactions,” Espinoza clarified.
Investigation Ordered by Defence Ministry
Bolivia’s Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas visited the crash site and ordered a high-level investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Officials confirmed that the aircraft was transporting cash from Santa Cruz at the time of the crash.
Authorities said further details will emerge once technical and forensic investigations are completed.
