In brief
A sudden explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, just 30 kilometres from La Paz, killed at least two people and left around 81 injured. The blast is believed to have been caused by pyrotechnic material stored at the artillery regiment’s facility, prompting emergency services to cordon the site. President Rodrigo Paz offered condolences and pledged a thorough investigation, while local authorities declared three days of mourning. Police warned residents to stay at least 150 metres away due to the risk of another detonation.
At least two people have been killed and 81 injured in a blast at a Bolivia military barracks.
Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the detonation, which happened around 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT), hit an artillery regiment’s facilities and caused casualties and damage to nearby homes.
Health official Rita Nebraska estimated the death toll at between ten and fifteen, but officials feared the true number could be higher while seven soldiers remained missing.
Police spokesman Roger Roca confirmed the presence of fireworks stored at the barracks and said the cause of the blast was still under investigation.
Local authorities declared three days of mourning and urged residents to stay at least 150 metres from the base due to a potential for further explosions.
President Rodrigo Paz expressed his deepest solidarity with the victims’ families and announced a "thorough, technical and transparent investigation" into the incident.
