A military cargo plane operated by the Bolivian Air Force crashed on the evening of February 27, 2026, while transporting banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia. The incident occurred near the El Alto airport, resulting in multiple casualties.
Reports regarding the number of fatalities vary significantly. The BBC reports 11 deaths, while Reuters cites 15, along with at least 30 injuries. The Bolivian Ministry of Defense has not provided a definitive figure in its official statements.
“The aircraft arrived from Santa Cruz carrying valuables intended for the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) as part of the tenth scheduled delivery. Following the incident, the plane crashed close to the airport,” stated the Ministry of Defense.
The government has pledged to provide necessary humanitarian assistance to the victims and the families of the deceased. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Residents of El Alto, the city near the crash site, have been advised to stay away from the area to avoid interfering with ongoing recovery efforts. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the banknotes being transported lacked official numbering and serial codes, rendering their possession or use illegal.
Videos circulating on social media reportedly show individuals gathering near the crash site to collect banknotes, prompting law enforcement to disperse crowds using water hoses and tear gas. Reuters has not been able to verify the authenticity of these videos.
The El Alto International Airport has been temporarily closed as a result of the incident.
A military cargo plane crash in Bolivia has resulted in varying reports of fatalities and injuries. The government is investigating the cause while providing aid to affected families.
Source: BBC