At least 15 people have been confirmed dead after a cargo aircraft transporting large quantities of currency crashed near Bolivia’s capital, triggering chaos at the scene as banknotes were blown across the surrounding area.
The aircraft went down outside La Paz during what authorities described as a routine logistics flight. Officials say the plane was carrying shipments of physical cash destined for regional financial institutions. Moments after impact, thick smoke rose from the wreckage, drawing nearby residents toward the crash site before emergency responders had fully secured the area.
Witnesses reported a loud engine disturbance shortly before the aircraft rapidly descended and struck the ground. Within minutes, debris was scattered across a wide perimeter — along with bundles of paper currency that had been ripped from cargo containers during the violent impact. Images circulating locally showed banknotes strewn across fields and roadways, fluttering in the wind as onlookers began gathering the loose bills.
Authorities confirmed that at least 15 individuals, including crew members and possibly ground casualties, lost their lives in the crash. The exact number of passengers on board has not yet been officially detailed, and investigators are working to determine whether the aircraft encountered mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or another form of in-flight emergency.
As word spread that the plane had been carrying money, crowds quickly formed at the perimeter of the crash zone. Some individuals were seen picking up scattered currency before law enforcement arrived. Police in riot gear were deployed to disperse the gathering and secure the area, citing both safety risks and the need to preserve evidence for investigators. Officers established a controlled perimeter and began recovering the loose banknotes as part of the official response.
Bolivian civil aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation, with support from forensic teams and aviation safety experts. Officials are examining flight data, maintenance records, and communications between the cockpit and air traffic control in the moments leading up to the crash. Recovery crews continue to search the wreckage for additional evidence and to account for all cargo materials.
The incident has stunned communities around La Paz, where aviation accidents are relatively rare but often complicated by high-altitude operating conditions. Meanwhile, financial authorities are working to assess the amount of currency lost or recovered and to ensure that any retrieved funds are properly documented.
As investigators piece together what caused the aircraft to fall from the sky, the tragic loss of life remains at the forefront — overshadowing the surreal images of money scattered across the crash site in the aftermath of disaster.