A tragic crash involving a military plane carrying a mysterious cargo has left at least 11 people dead in Bolivia. The incident, which occurred at 18:20 local time (22:20 GMT) on Friday, involved a C-130 Hercules aircraft traveling from Santa Cruz to El Alto International Airport. The plane skidded off the runway and collided with vehicles on a nearby motorway, causing significant damage and casualties.
The defense ministry confirmed the plane was transporting banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia, but emphasized that these notes held no purchasing power and their possession or use would be considered a crime. This revelation has sparked public interest, with some individuals attempting to reach the crash site to claim the banknotes. Footage from the scene shows the extent of the damage, including the crashed plane and severely damaged vehicles.
One relative shared a harrowing account with the Reuters news agency, describing how their sister was injured when the plane's tire fell on their car, causing head trauma. The defense ministry has urged the public to stay away from the area to allow authorities to conduct their investigation and handle the sensitive cargo appropriately. This incident raises questions about the nature of the cargo and the potential risks associated with military transportation in civilian areas.