El Alto plane crash leaves at least 20 dead as banknotes spark chaos

A Bolivian air force cargo plane crashed on approach to El Alto International Airport on Friday, killing at least 20 people and injuring several others. The C-130 Hercules was carrying newly issued banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia when it skidded off the runway and struck nearby vehicles. Eight crew members were aboard, aviation officials said. Video and witness accounts show the plane on the ground as crowds gathered, some tearing at scattered banknotes in the aftermath.

Authorities fired tear gas to disperse people at the scene and warned that the money involved had no legal value since it lacked serial numbers issued by the central bank. The government launched a formal investigation into the crash while journalists at the scene reported being attacked as they covered the incident; authorities said several suspects were arrested for attempting to take the banknotes.

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