Overview
- The Hercules transport veered off the runway while landing at El Alto International Airport, striking vehicles on a neighboring avenue after a flight from Santa Cruz.
- Authorities report at least 15 dead and around 30 injured, with the breakdown between people on the ground and on board still under review.
- The aircraft was carrying newly printed banknotes, which scattered at the site as crowds tried to collect them before police used water hoses and tear gas to secure the area.
- The Central Bank and Defence Ministry said the notes had not entered circulation and that possession constitutes a crime, and officials oversaw the burning of recovered cash boxes.
- Investigators are examining weather and operational factors after eyewitnesses described hail and lightning; the airport was temporarily closed and two crew members were initially unaccounted for.