At Least Two Dead and 14 Missing After Explosions Hit Bolivian Military Base

At least two people were killed and 14 others remain missing after two explosions struck an army base in the Bolivian city of Viacha on Friday, September 4. The detonations occurred in a storage area holding pyrotechnic material roughly 30 kilometers (18 miles) from La Paz, causing structural damage to surrounding neighborhoods and injuring dozens of people.

Casualties and Discrepancies in Death Toll

Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano stated on Saturday that two deaths have been officially confirmed while search efforts continue for 14 missing personnel. Those unaccounted for include one sergeant and 13 conscripts, aged 18 and 19, who were undertaking mandatory military service.

Official figures were revised on Saturday following higher initial estimates. On Friday, Viacha health director Rita Nebraska told a local television channel that between 10 and 15 people had died and 62 were injured. Justiniano later clarified that local medical centers had treated approximately 50 civilians and six military personnel, with many civilian injuries caused by glass broken by the shockwave.

Investigation Into Pyrotechnic Storage

Military authorities confirmed that fireworks and related substances were kept at the facility. According to the Ministry of Defence, the initial blast involved black powder used in pyrotechnics. Police spokesman Roger Roca stated that the primary cause of the explosions remains under investigation.

Officials have not determined what caused a second, significantly larger explosion, nor what specific substances were involved in that blast. Investigators are currently examining how the explosive materials were stored on the premises.

Community Impact and Evacuations

The explosions generated thick black smoke and sent debris into nearby residential streets. Social media footage showed shockwaves blowing out windows across neighboring structures, damaging dozens of civilian homes.

Local authorities evacuated nearby residents to a temporary shelter. Defense Minister Justiniano noted that it is not yet safe for residents to return while buildings remain damaged and safety checks are conducted.

Background

Viacha is a city located in the La Paz Department of Bolivia, housing several military facilities. Military service in Bolivia is compulsory for young men, usually lasting one year, with conscripts frequently deployed to barracks across the country for training and maintenance duties.