Explosion at Bolivian Military Barracks Leaves at Least Two Dead and Dozens Injured
| Location | Viacha, Bolivia (30 km / 19 miles from La Paz) |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Friday at 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) |
| Casualties | At least 2 dead, 81 injured, 14 missing |
| Cause | Detonation of stored fireworks / pyrotechnic material (under investigation) |
An explosion caused by pyrotechnic materials at a Bolivian military barracks has left at least two people dead and 81 injured, while 14 others remain unaccounted for. The blast occurred on Friday afternoon in the town of Viacha, located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from La Paz.
Emergency crews are searching through collapsed structures and rubble near the site, where dozens of surrounding houses were damaged. Local health officials have alerted the public to stay clear of the area due to risks of secondary explosions.
Casualties and Search Efforts
The blast took place at approximately 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) at a facility housing an artillery regiment. Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano confirmed that at least 81 individuals sustained injuries after “pyrotechnic material” detonated inside the compound.
While official reports confirm two fatalities, estimates from local health authorities differ. Health official Rita Nebraska stated to local television that between 10 and 15 people are believed to have died in the incident. Nebraska urged civilians to maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from the military post due to the continuing hazard of additional blasts.
Fourteen people remain missing following the detonation. On Saturday, base commander Colonel Antonio Amaru told reporters that the missing individuals include one sergeant and 13 conscripted soldiers aged between 18 and 19 years old.
Investigation into the Detonation
Police spokesman Roger Roca informed news agency AFP that fireworks had been stored inside the military barracks prior to the blast. Authorities have not yet determined what triggered the ignition, and the cause remains under investigation.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz extended his “deepest solidarity” to the affected families and injured victims. Writing on social media, Paz assured that officials would conduct a “thorough, technical and transparent investigation” to establish how the explosion occurred.
Background
The explosion occurred at an artillery regiment barracks in Viacha, a municipality situated near La Paz, Bolivia. Military posts in the region are often situated near populated areas, resulting in structural damage to surrounding civilian homes following the sudden ignition of stored combustible materials.
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