A catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded Friday evening at Bolivia’s high-altitude El Alto International Airport, resulting in a confirmed death toll of at least eleven individuals. The tragedy involved a military cargo aircraft that crashed upon its approach, according to official statements from national authorities and local fire services.
The ill-fated flight, which originated from the eastern lowland city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, was attempting to land at approximately 18:20 local time (22:20 GMT) when the accident occurred. Preliminary reports from Bolivia’s air traffic control authority indicate the aircraft failed to stop upon touchdown, violently skidding beyond the runway’s confines.
The失控的plane subsequently collided with multiple vehicles on a densely trafficked motorway adjacent to the airport perimeter, significantly amplifying the casualty count. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, undertaking extensive rescue and recovery operations throughout the night.
In response to the severe incident, airport authorities have enacted a full closure of El Alto International Airport, one of the nation’s primary aviation hubs. This closure has caused widespread disruption to both domestic and international air travel, with numerous flights being canceled or diverted to alternative airports. A comprehensive investigation led by aviation safety experts has been launched to determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure or human error that led to the devastating crash.