A tragic accident occurred in Bolivia last night when a Bolivian Air Force cargo plane crashed, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. The Hercules aircraft went down shortly after takeoff near the capital, La Paz, specifically in the neighboring city of El Alto, turning a busy highway into a scene of fire and wreckage.
Details of the horrific accident
According to official reports and statements by the head of the fire department, Pavel Tovar, the plane encountered technical difficulties during takeoff, causing it to skid off the runway. The aircraft did not stop at the airport perimeter but crashed through the barriers and violently collided with several vehicles traveling on the adjacent highway. Authorities confirmed that the accident destroyed at least 12 vehicles, and debris and bodies were scattered in a scene described by eyewitnesses as horrific.
The death toll and the mystery surrounding their identities
Initial reports indicate that at least 15 people were killed in the crash. Officials, including Tovar, have not yet clarified the exact number of victims, including whether they were all crew and passengers or if the count also includes motorists and other road users who happened to be traveling on the highway at the time of the disaster. Fire and rescue teams managed to extinguish the flames that engulfed the aircraft and surrounding vehicles after a strenuous effort.
Geographical context and aviation challenges in Bolivia
This incident once again highlights the geographical challenges facing Bolivia's aviation sector. El Alto International Airport, from which the plane took off, is located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest international airports in the world. This high altitude results in low air density, placing immense stress on aircraft engines and demanding specialized skills from pilots, particularly during takeoffs and landings of heavy cargo planes like the Hercules.
The aftermath of the incident and the measures taken
Immediately after the crash, local authorities announced a temporary suspension of all flights to and from the terminal to ensure operational safety and facilitate the work of investigation and rescue teams. The Bolivian Air Force is expected to launch a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash, whether due to a sudden technical malfunction or human error, given the challenging weather conditions and terrain for which the region is known.
