At least 15 people were killed when a cargo plane carrying money crashed moments after takeoff near Bolivia’s capital on Friday, scattering banknotes on the ground, an official said early Saturday, the AP quoted an official as saying.
According to local reports, the Bolivian Air Force plane that crashed on Saturday was carrying money. He skidded off the runway at El Alto Airport and hit several vehicles.
Around a dozen vehicles on the highway were also damaged in the accident.
Locals catch scattered banknotes
Several videos showed local residents collecting banknotes as soldiers and firefighters tried to keep them away from the crash site.
“A crashed military plane in El Alto was loaded with CASH. Locals rushed to SAVE the scattered bills as soldiers tried to secure the wreckage,” RT News said while sharing an alleged video of the incident.
What we know about the Bolivia plane crash: The highlights
1. The plane skidded off the runway shortly after takeoff and crashed into vehicles in the city of El Alto, which borders La Paz, before coming to rest in a field, according to images circulating on social media.
2. Debris from the plane, destroyed cars and bodies were strewn on the road. According to Tovar, there were at least 15 vehicles. Firefighters managed to put out the flames that engulfed the plane.
3. According to reports, at least 15 people died in the accident. Fire chief Pavel Tovar did not specify if they were dead in the plane or in the cars on the highway near the airport in La Paz. He said people were injured.
4. The plane, a Hercules aircraft belonging to the Bolivian air force, was carrying new notes from the central bank to other cities and a large number of notes scattered on the ground at the crash site.
5. Pictures circulating on social media show people rushing to collect bills as police in riot gear try to disperse them
6. Authorities have temporarily suspended all flights to and from the terminal.
