At least 20 people died after a Bolivian military cargo plane crashed in the city of El Alto. Authorities confirmed the incident happened on Friday evening as the aircraft approached El Alto International Airport.
The Defence Ministry said the aircraft was a Lockheed C-130 Hercules operated by the Bolivian Air Force. The plane was transporting banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia.
Officials said eight crew members were on board. The plane reportedly skidded off the runway and struck nearby vehicles before coming to a stop.
Firefighters first reported 15 deaths. Later, authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen to at least 20. The Health Ministry said 31 people were injured. It urged citizens to donate blood for the victims.
Videos from the scene showed damaged cars and debris scattered across the area. Some people tried to collect the banknotes that had fallen from the aircraft. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The National Association of Journalists of Bolivia said attackers targeted reporters covering the crash. Several journalists suffered injuries after people threw stones at them.
Police arrested at least a dozen people accused of stealing the banknotes.
Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas warned that the money had no legal value. He said the notes had not yet been issued and did not carry serial numbers. He also urged people to respect the victims and stop vandalism.
Air Force Commander Sergio Lora confirmed that cargo staff and flight crew were among the eight people on board.
Authorities temporarily closed El Alto International Airport after the crash.
Witnesses described severe weather at the time of the accident. One woman said heavy hail and lightning struck the area. Another person said a tire from the plane hit a car and injured his sister.
Investigators are now examining the cause of the crash.
