Bolivia: plane loaded with banknotes crashes, 20 dead, race for cash in the streets

Tragedy and chaos in Bolivia. At least 20 people died after a C-130 Hercules, carrying a load of banknotes, went off the runway while landing near La Paz. The toll was confirmed by the police.

The cargo plane, used by the military, crashed into a road, destroying and damaging cars and trucks, as told by images released by the local media.

Soon a crowd of people arrived on the scene in an attempt to collect the banknotes. The police intervened with tear gas. Then the authorities themselves allegedly set fire to the banknotes.

The causes of the accident are still unclear. Testimonies collected by the Afp agency point the finger at bad weather. In recent hours Rene Tambo, police colonel in El Alto, told reporters that 'there are about 20' victims, 'maybe more'.

Shortly before, Colonel Pavel Tovar of the National Fire Department had reported a death toll of '15, 16 people'. The Ministry of Health confirms that there are at least 28 injured. Hospitals in El Alto have started a blood collection campaign. The C-130 had departed from Santa Cruz and the accident occurred during the landing phase at El Alto International Airport. The Ministry of Defence pointed out that 'the notes that the crashed plane was carrying did not have serial numbers' and 'therefore have no value'.