20 killed as military plane carrying banknotes crashes in Bolivia

At least 20 people have been confirmed dead after a military cargo aircraft transporting newly printed banknotes crashed near El Alto on Friday.

The aircraft, operated by the Bolivian Air Force, went down while attempting to land at El Alto International Airport, authorities said.

The plane had departed from Santa Cruz de la Sierra and was reportedly carrying a consignment of freshly printed currency notes intended for distribution. Witnesses said the aircraft veered off course during its approach before crashing near a populated area, causing casualties both onboard and on the ground.

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Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but rescue operations were complicated by crowds gathering after banknotes were scattered across the crash site. Security forces later secured the area to prevent looting and allow recovery efforts to continue.

Officials confirmed that at least 30 others sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities also clarified that the banknotes on board had not yet entered circulation and warned that any attempt to keep or use them would be considered illegal.

The government of Bolivia has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, as the nation mourns one of its deadliest air disasters in recent years.

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