A Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed near La Paz on February 27, 2026, killing 24 people and scattering millions of dollars in newly printed banknotes across a highway. The accident triggered chaotic scenes as thousands of people rushed to grab the cash while rescue teams searched the debris for survivors.
The military plane veered off the runway at El Alto International Airport at around 6:15 p.m. local time after flying in from Santa Cruz. It overshot runway 28, broke through the airport fence, and slammed onto Costanera Avenue—a major road full of evening traffic. The aircraft hit at least 15 vehicles, including private cars, public buses, and cargo trucks, before disintegrating, according to authorities. It had been carrying newly printed Bolivian currency that had not yet been released into circulation.
Air Force Commander General Sergio Lora stated that eight crew members were on board, “including cargo personnel and flight crew.” One crew member was killed, six were seriously injured, and one remained unaccounted for. The other 23 victims were on the ground, including four children riding in vehicles crushed by the aircraft. More than 37 people were hurt, with most injuries occurring on public buses that were traveling along the avenue when the plane broke through.
Witnesses recounted severe weather conditions at the time of the crash. A woman whose vehicle was hit by debris told reporters that heavy hail and lightning were present when the plane came down. According to his lawyer, the surviving pilot later informed investigators that ice covered the runway and the brakes had failed.
The situation quickly spiraled into chaos. When bundles of banknotes spilled from the damaged cargo hold, an estimated 20,000 people rushed toward the crash site. Police used tear gas and water cannons to clear crowds who were reportedly trampling through debris while rescue workers searched for victims. More than 500 soldiers and 100 police officers were sent in to secure the scene.
Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas delivered a strong warning to those taking the money, stating that the cash “has no legal value since it has not been issued by the Central Bank” and that possessing or using the notes is a criminal offense. He urged the public “to respect the mourning and grief we are experiencing at this difficult time.”
The turmoil escalated when journalists covering the incident were assaulted. The National Association of Journalists of Bolivia reported that a mobile TV unit was intentionally targeted, while additional reporters were struck with stones, sustaining severe injuries. The La Paz Prosecutor’s Office also received complaints of businesses being looted by opportunistic criminals, and police detained at least a dozen suspects.
Police and military forces ultimately burned the boxes of currency at the crash site in front of Central Bank President David Espinoza. The shipment—17 million banknotes totaling 423 million bolivianos (around $62 million)—had arrived in Santa Cruz from abroad and was in transit to La Paz. Authorities believe that about 30 percent of the bills were stolen before the area was secured.
The aftermath caused widespread financial confusion across the country. The Central Bank suspended the legal tender status of certain 10-, 20-, and 50-boliviano notes with serial numbers corresponding to those carried on the plane, leaving businesses unsure which bills were valid. Thousands of Bolivians lined up at banks to exchange their cash, and some vendors began refusing all Series B banknotes, including legitimate ones.
Firefighters succeeded in putting out the flames that engulfed the aircraft after impact. El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed, causing disruptions at one of the world’s highest and most demanding airports. Bolivia’s health ministry issued an urgent call for blood donations to aid the injured, coordinated through the La Paz Regional Reference Blood Bank Hemocenter.
A man shared how his sister narrowly survived the crash. He told news outlets that she had been in her car when the plane hit, and a tire from the aircraft struck her head. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. A preliminary technical report indicated the aircraft was carrying cargo at its maximum load and that the delivery company had been behind schedule, creating pressure to complete the flight. Investigators are searching for the black box and assessing whether the aircraft’s weight, combined with El Alto’s extreme altitude (13,325 feet above sea level), contributed to the runway overrun.
The event stands as one of Bolivia’s most devastating aviation accidents in recent years. The plane involved was a 49-year-old Lockheed C-130H Hercules, tail number FAB-81, built in 1977. El Alto, adjacent to La Paz, poses unique aviation challenges due to its high altitude and frequently unpredictable weather. Thin air reduces engine performance and lift, requiring specialized pilot training and longer runways for safe operation.