SANTIAGO, Chile – According to authorities, an attempted heist of more than $32 million in cash aboard a plane from Miami resulted in a wild airport shootout in Chile’s capital on Wednesday, killing a security officer and an alleged robber.
Ten heavily armed robbers were able to bypass security measures and reach the runway at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, where a Latam airlines aircraft was transferring $32.5 million in cash to an armored truck.
During the shootout between security officials and the robbers, one employee of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and one assailant were killed, while the other suspects fled.
The DGAC officials’ brave action prevented the robbery, as the would-be robbers were “highly organized” and “very armed,” officials said.
Social media videos showed bullet holes in a Delta plane parked next to the Latam aircraft and a moment during the shootout when several gunshots were fired.
🔴🇨🇱 Dos muertos en un intento de asalto a un avión con 32 millones de dólares en aeropuerto chileno.
⭕ Una banda de delincuentes fuertemente armados ingresaron en tres vehículos a la pista de la terminal aérea con la intención de robar una nave de #Latam proveniente de #Miami. pic.twitter.com/pqeFduq51r
— Diario La Capital (@lacapital) March 8, 2023
Two burned vehicles were later found nearby.
