Bolivia air tragedy: 15 dead, 30 injured in military plane crash in El Alto

At least fifteen people were killed, and over thirty others were injured after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft crashed in El Alto, near Bolivia’s capital La Paz on Friday evening, according to media reports.

The military aircraft was carrying new banknotes from the country’s central bank. The aircraft that departed from the city of Santa Cruz, crashed after skidding off the runway while landing at El Alto International Airport, according to local authorities.

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The plane struck around a dozen vehicles on the highway while it skidded during its attempt to land on the runway. Eventually, the aircraft came to rest in a nearby field.

A Bolivian military aircraft crashed into a busy urban area in #ElAlto, near La Paz, on Friday evening, killing 15 people and injuring at least 30 others. The plane, carrying newly printed banknotes from the country’s central bank, crashed on a crowded avenue while flying from… pic.twitter.com/ukbRLepVEe

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) February 28, 2026

Following the crash, emergency crews responded swiftly, rushing to the spot. Those injured have been transported to nearby hospitals. The condition of several victims was reported to be critical.

In the aftermath of the crash, Bolivia’s national carrier, Boliviana de Aviación, announced the temporary closure of El Alto International Airport.

Authorities are assessing the damage and investigating the cause of the incident.