A Bolivian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules transporting newly printed banknotes for the central bank crashed during landing at El Alto International Airport (La Paz area) on 27 February 2026, after veering off the runway in poor weather and ploughing into/along a nearby roadway area. Authorities reported the death toll rose to 22 with dozens injured, after the aircraft’s runway excursion triggered a high-energy impact that damaged roughly 15 vehicles and set parts of the wreckage ablaze.
The accident quickly became a public order and security incident because cash boxes and loose banknotes were scattered across the crash scene. Large crowds rushed in to grab the money, complicating rescue and site security. Police and soldiers were deployed to regain control; Reuters reported the use of tear gas and dozens of arrests linked to disorder and vandalism.
Bolivian officials then burned the recovered banknotes, a move that sparked public backlash and street protests. The government argued that the currency had no legal value because it had not entered circulation, and said that removing or holding it would be treated as a criminal act. Investigators opened a formal inquiry, with reporting noting efforts to locate flight recorders/critical evidence and identify victims, given the severity of injuries.
Images: Dawn, Zee News