A Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo plane crashed in the city of El Alto on Friday, February 27, 2026, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 30 others, according to reports from authorities and local media. The aircraft, originating from Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, was carrying an undisclosed amount of unissued banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia in La Paz when it crashed after a runway overrun, impacting vehicles on Costanera Avenue.
The incident sparked a chaotic scene as residents rushed to collect the scattered banknotes, leading to clashes with police who deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds. At least a dozen people were arrested for attempting to take the money, which officials stressed has no legal value as it lacks serial numbers. The crash has prompted an investigation into the cause, with initial reports citing a “heavy hailstorm” at the time of the accident. This 2026 Bolivian Air Force Lockheed C-130 crash is the latest in a series of aviation incidents to impact the region.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules touched down at El Alto International Airport at approximately 6:15 PM local time, according to reports. Instead of coming to a stop on the runway, the aircraft veered off course, traveling roughly one kilometer before coming to rest near the La Ceja area of the airport. The plane impacted several parked vehicles during its uncontrolled run. Firefighters and emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene to recover bodies and provide medical assistance.
“We are recovering the bodies of the people involved in the accident,” said Pavel Tovar, the head of the Fire Department, in a statement. Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas confirmed that eight crew members were aboard the flight, comprised of both flight crew and personnel responsible for cargo handling. The Ministry of Health reported 31 injuries and issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, as local hospitals became overwhelmed with patients.
The Scramble for Cash and Subsequent Clashes
The cargo manifest revealed the plane was transporting banknotes intended for the Central Bank of Bolivia, but these notes had not yet been officially issued and lacked serial numbers, rendering them legally worthless. Despite this, the sight of cash strewn across the crash site drew a large crowd, with individuals attempting to collect the money.
“While news crews were covering the accident, individuals attempting to steal the transported money attacked the press with unusual violence,” stated the National Association of Journalists of Bolivia. The association reported that a television news vehicle was directly targeted and other journalists were injured by rocks thrown by individuals attempting to collect the cash. Police responded by firing tear gas to control the crowds, resulting in further confrontations. According to officials, at least a dozen arrests were made in connection with the theft of the banknotes.
Weather Conditions and the Ongoing Investigation
Witnesses at the scene reported that a heavy hailstorm was occurring at the time of the crash, with lightning also visible. One witness told Reuters, “My sister told me she was in the car when the plane crashed. A tire from the plane fell on the car and my sister was injured because the impact hit her in the head, so we rushed her to the hospital.” The adverse weather conditions, including the hailstorm, wet runway, and reduced visibility, are being investigated as potential contributing factors to the accident.
The decision to transport a large sum of cash via military aircraft raises questions about logistical choices in a country facing economic challenges. The crash exposes not only a potential technical failure but also a broader institutional vulnerability. The investigation will focus on determining whether the weather played a role or if there were underlying mechanical issues with the aircraft.
Defense Minister Salinas emphasized that attempting to utilize the recovered banknotes is a crime, stating, “I want to make it clear to those who are trying to take money from the plane involved in this tragedy that this money has no legal value since it has not been issued by the Central Bank and does not have a serial number.” As of Saturday, February 28, 2026, the El Alto International Airport remains closed, and authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and manage the aftermath. The BBC reported that at least 15 people were killed in the crash, while other reports indicate the death toll has risen to 20 or more.
Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for the reopening of the airport or the completion of the investigation. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
If you are experiencing distress related to this event, resources are available. You can contact the Bolivian Red Cross for assistance or reach out to a mental health professional.
