Protests erupt after Bolivian authorities burn cash from plane crash

22:00

Tensions flared in El Alto, Bolivia, after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft crashed on Friday evening, scattering banknotes across a busy avenue. The crash, which claimed 22 lives and injured 30, including four children, sparked protests as residents attempted to collect the cash before authorities intervened.

Vice Interior Minister Hernan Paredes said approximately 3,000 people gathered at the scene, some wielding sticks and stones. Security forces responded with tear gas, and 49 individuals were arrested for vandalism. Authorities then burned the 18 tons of banknotes, which were being transported to replace older bills and had no legal value, according to officials.

Local residents expressed outrage, arguing that the money could have helped struggling families. Marcelino Poma, a resident, criticized the destruction, saying, "We need to rise up in El Alto. They took our gasoline subsidy, they hurt our household budgets, now they're taking all the money out of the country."

The incident highlights both the tragic human cost of the crash and the broader social frustration among residents over economic hardships.