At least 15 people were killed and around 30 others injured after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft crashed in El Alto, a high-altitude city located next to Bolivia’s capital La Paz, on Friday, according to local media reports.
Authorities said the military aircraft had taken off from the eastern city of Santa Cruz and was attempting to land at El Alto International Airport when the accident occurred. The aircraft reportedly lost control after touching down and skidded off the runway before crashing onto a nearby avenue.
Officials confirmed that the aircraft was transporting newly printed banknotes belonging to Bolivia’s central bank at the time of the incident.
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Aircraft skids off runway, crashes onto road
According to the local authorities, the plane swerved off the runway during landing amid difficult weather conditions in the area. El Alto, which is more than 4,000 metres above sea level, has challenging weather conditions due to the thin nature of the air.
After leaving the runway, the plane landed on a main road running along the airport. Some vehicles were moving along the avenue when the plane landed on the road. As a result, the vehicles were damaged by the plane.
Breaking: A Bolivian Air Force Hercules transport plane impacted a crowded street in El Alto, near La Paz, earlier this evening. The aircraft sustained severe damage, and initial reports indicate several people lost their lives while others were injured on the ground. pic.twitter.com/GLsxnBAqWz
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Response to the accident
Response to the accident was immediate. Firefighters, police, and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene shortly after the accident occurred. The injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment.
Images of the crash site were also shared on local media, showing debris on the road and damaged vehicles near the crashed plane.
The accident also affected air traffic to and from El Alto International Airport, which was temporarily closed as a result of the accident. According to Reuters, Bolivia’s flagship carrier, Boliviana de Aviación, said the aircraft involved in the crash did not belong to its fleet.
An investigation is to be carried out to ascertain the cause of the accident. More information regarding the casualties and those injured is expected to be released as the rescue mission continues.
