A military cargo aircraft crashed Friday near La Paz, killing at least 15 people and injuring others. The plane went down near the airport in El Alto, damaging vehicles on a nearby highway and scattering newly printed banknotes.
Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas said the Hercules C-130 was carrying fresh Bolivian currency. The aircraft landed but veered off the runway before crashing into a field. Flames engulfed the wreckage, and firefighters later extinguished the blaze.
Fire chief Pavel Tovar confirmed 15 deaths but did not clarify whether the victims were crew or motorists. At least 15 vehicles suffered damage. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Air Force General Sergio Lora said two of the six crew members were still missing late Friday. The plane had departed from Santa Cruz after collecting the cargo.
The aircraft belonged to the Bolivian Air Force and transported banknotes from the Central Bank. Central Bank President David Espinoza said the bills lacked serial numbers and held no legal tender status.
Authorities suspended flights at the terminal as investigators examined the crash site.
