Cargo plane carrying printed money crashes near La Paz, at least 15 dead
Feb 28th 2026
A Bolivian military cargo plane carrying newly printed banknotes veered off the runway at El Alto, killing at least 15 people, scattering cash onto a highway and prompting police and military action while investigators probe the cause.
- At least 15 people died after a Bolivian Air Force C-130 veered off the runway at El Alto and caught fire.
- The plane was transporting newly printed Bolivian banknotes from Santa Cruz that scattered across a nearby highway.
- About 15 vehicles were damaged as debris and bills littered the road.
- Crowds rushed to collect the scattered cash and police in riot gear and more than 500 soldiers intervened to restore order.
- Central Bank officials said the recovered banknotes have no legal value and authorities burned the cash boxes at the site.
- Two of the six crew members were reported missing and authorities have suspended flights and opened an investigation into the cause