Bolivian military plane crashes, killing six as president declares state of emergency

The crash

A Bolivian Air Force Cessna FAB-409 crashed on Saturday, June 21, in the mountainous region of Cerro Sayari in Cochabamba department. The aircraft had departed from El Alto airport near La Paz in the morning, bound for Cochabamba. Radio contact was lost mid-flight, prompting a search operation that located the wreckage later that day. All six people on board died.

Victims and mission

The Bolivian Defense Ministry confirmed that the victims included four military personnel and two civilians. The flight was officially described as a support mission to assist with civilian measures. Local newspaper El Deber reported that the plane had been used to monitor roadblocks, while other sources noted it had recently transported children with cancer to treatment centers because roadblocks had cut off ground access.

Political crisis

The crash occurred against the backdrop of a severe political crisis in Bolivia. For more than 50 days, protesters have blocked roads across the country, protesting the government's decision to scrap fuel subsidies, rising living costs, and broader economic reforms. The blockades have caused shortages of supplies in several regions, according to government figures.

State of emergency

On Saturday, President Rodrigo Paz declared a nationwide state of emergency, granting himself expanded powers to restore public order. He announced plans to deploy the military to clear the roads. The crash of the military aircraft, which was itself involved in the crisis response, underscores the strain on the country's institutions.