Key facts
- An explosion occurred at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, on Friday.
- At least 10 people were killed and 58 were injured.
- The blast happened in an area where fireworks were stored.
- Most of the injured were civilians.
- An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.
An explosion at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, on Friday resulted in at least 10 fatalities and 58 injuries, according to various official reports. The blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time at the Centro General de Mantenimiento del Regimiento de Artillería Mecanizada 2 “Bolívar,” an area where pyrotechnic material was reportedly stored.
Initial reports from local health director Rita Nebraska suggested between 10 and 15 deaths. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano later stated that 58 people were injured, with 52 of them being civilians and the rest military personnel. The national deputy commander of police, Roger Roca, confirmed two deaths and seven missing individuals, while also noting that the area was under control.
Videos shared on social media depicted thick black smoke billowing from the barracks, located in the city center, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz. Residents reported hearing two explosions separated by about 20 minutes, with the second being more powerful and causing damage to nearby homes.
An investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the detonation, the storage conditions of the material, and any potential responsibilities. The Ministry of Defense initially attributed the incident to an accidental detonation of pyrotechnic material. Emergency protocols for evacuation and medical attention were activated, with injured individuals being transported to hospitals in La Paz and El Alto. The explosion also caused a power outage affecting the entire municipality of Viacha.