At least 20 people were killed, and dozens were injured after a Bolivian air force cargo plane crashed in the city of El Alto on Friday evening. Authorities in Bolivia said the aircraft skidded off the runway while landing and slammed into vehicles near the airport.
The plane had departed from Santa Cruz and was carrying banknotes for the Central Bank of Bolivia. Defence Minister Marcelo Salinas said the money had no legal value because it lacked serial numbers. Eight crew members were on board, according to Air Force commander Sergio Lora.
Officials reported 31 injuries and issued an urgent call for blood donations. El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed after the crash.
Police used tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to collect scattered banknotes, and several people were arrested. Journalists covering the disaster were also attacked by groups throwing stones.
Witnesses told Reuters and Agence France-Presse that severe weather, including hail and lightning, may have contributed to the crash.
