Bolivian authorities are scrambling to destroy millions of dollars worth of local currency that rained down on El Alto after a military cargo plane carrying new bank notes crashed near El Alto International Airport. The accident killed at least 22 people and injured 37 others when the aircraft went down Friday afternoon.

Chaos erupted as thousands of residents raced to collect the scattered bills worth between 10 and 50 bolivianos each. The central bank has declared the notes invalid and is working to burn them, while police have detained 49 people accused of looting. Images from local media show the plane was filled with paper money, though authorities haven't disclosed the total value.

The crash highlights Bolivia's cash-based economy and current financial challenges. The country faces inflation near 20% despite efforts by new President Rodrigo Paz to stabilize public finances. With Bolivia's minimum wage at 3,300 bolivianos, the scattered cash represents significant value to residents in one of Latin America's poorest nations.