In brief
A pyrotechnic material explosion at a Bolivian military barracks on Friday left at least two people dead, with reports of 81 injuries. Doctors estimate the death toll could rise further as emergency teams assess the wreckage. The Viacha town officials have called for a 150‑metre buffer zone around the base amid fears of a secondary detonation. President Rodrigo Paz pledged a technical and transparent investigation, while the nation mourns over three days of mourning declared.
At least two people have been killed after an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia, with authorities fearing the toll could rise further.
Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano reported that 81 people were injured when "pyrotechnic material" detonated at the artillery regiment’s barracks around 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) on Friday. Seven other personnel remain missing.
Health official Rita Nebraska stated to local television that between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died in the incident in Viacha, approximately 30km (19 miles) from La Paz, according to Reuters.
Police said dozens of homes were damaged by the blast and emergency workers were searching the rubble for survivors.
Nebraska warned of a potential further explosion and advised residents to stay at least 150 metres away from the military base.
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz expressed his "deepest solidarity" with the families of the deceased and injured, and vowed a "thorough, technical and transparent investigation" into the causes.
Police spokesman Roger Roca told AFP that fireworks had been stored at the barracks and the exact cause of the blast remains under investigation.
Viacha authorities have declared a three‑day mourning period following the tragedy.
People run for shelter after explosion at Bolivia military barracks
