Key facts
- An explosion occurred at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, on Friday afternoon.
- At least 10 people were killed and 62 were injured.
- The blast originated from a fireworks stockpile at the defence ministry's base.
- The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
- Firefighters warned of a potential secondary explosion due to residual heat.
An explosion at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, on Friday afternoon killed at least 10 people and injured 62. The blast occurred in an area used to store pyrotechnic material, with officials stating it originated from the defence ministry's fireworks stockpile. The exact cause of the explosion is under investigation. Firefighters have warned of a potential secondary explosion due to a lingering heat source at the site, urging residents to stay at least 150 meters away. The shockwave from the blast shattered windows and structurally damaged dozens of nearby civilian homes. Fourteen of the wounded were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with third-degree burns. Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano stated that the majority of the injured were civilians.