A Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft crashed Friday near the international airport in El Alto, the country’s second-largest city. The incident, which occurred in the late afternoon, has resulted in at least 20 confirmed fatalities and approximately 25 injuries, according to local authorities. The initial death toll reported was 15, but has since been revised upwards as rescue efforts continue.
The crash prompted a swift response from emergency services, with firefighters and medical personnel dispatched to the scene. Images circulating on social media and reported by news agencies show a column of smoke rising from the crash site, and evidence of damage to vehicles on the ground. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but authorities have indicated that icy conditions on the runway, following a hailstorm earlier in the day, may have been a contributing factor.
According to police reports, the aircraft impacted the ground after attempting to land and was unable to stop. René Tambo, director of the Homicide Division of the Bolivian police, told reporters at the scene that “around 20 [people] are dead, perhaps a little more.” A source within the government, speaking to the EFE news agency, confirmed that the plane touched down but failed to decelerate, likely due to the icy runway conditions.
A man speaks on the phone at the site of the plane crash in Bolivia. (Photo: REUTERS/Claudia Morales).
The Bolivian state agency for Air Navigation and Airports (NAABOL) stated that the collision occurred at 6:20 PM local time with an aircraft originating from the city of Santa Cruz. An investigation into the incident is underway.
Disruption to Air Travel and Security Concerns
The El Alto International Airport, which also serves the city of La Paz, has been temporarily closed following the crash, as announced by the Bolivian airline Boliviana de Aviación (BoA). The closure is in accordance with directives from airport authorities. The disruption to air travel is expected to impact both domestic and international flights.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, reports indicate that police were forced to disperse a crowd of onlookers who had gathered at the crash site, attempting to collect banknotes that were allegedly scattered from the aircraft. This suggests the plane may have been carrying a significant amount of cash, though authorities have not yet confirmed this detail. The nature of the aircraft’s cargo remains unknown at this time.
Presidential Response and National Mourning
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz expressed his condolences and solidarity with the families of those affected by the tragedy. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Paz stated, “Today is a day of much pain for the city of El Alto and the nation due to the tragic accident at El Alto airport. I want to express all my solidarity and condolences to the families of the injured and deceased.”
The President assured the public that the government is actively working to assist those injured and affected by the crash. He also stated that investigations are being conducted by the relevant authorities, and that further information will be released as it becomes available.
Emergency personnel and police authorities at the scene of the crash in Bolivia. (Photo: REUTERS/Claudia Morales).
This incident marks a somber moment for Bolivia, and the investigation is expected to provide crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the crash of the Hercules aircraft. The focus now shifts to supporting the families of the victims and ensuring a thorough examination of the factors that contributed to this tragedy. Further updates will be provided as they become available from Bolivian authorities.
If you are in the El Alto area and are seeking information about loved ones, please contact the local emergency services. For those affected by this tragedy, resources are available to provide support during this difficult time.
