At least 10 people died and dozens suffered injuries Friday after an explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, local authorities said. The military complex sits about 30 kilometres from La Paz, where emergency teams rushed to treat victims.
The explosion occurred around 2:30pm local time in an area used to store pyrotechnic materials. Authorities have not established the exact cause, but officials said the blast originated from a Defence Ministry fireworks stockpile.
Blast Kills and Injures Dozens
Viacha health director Rita Nebraska said officials believed between 10 and 15 people had died, while 62 others suffered injuries. Medical teams transferred 14 wounded people to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl who sustained third-degree burns.
Meanwhile, police reported that more than 50 people suffered injuries in the blast. The explosion also damaged dozens of nearby homes, with powerful shockwaves shattering windows across the area.
Emergency teams quickly deployed to the military facility after the blast. Ambulances, medical personnel and police officers worked to assess the damage and evacuate injured people to nearby health centres.
Authorities Warn of Further Explosion Risk
Nebraska warned residents about another potential explosion at the site. Firefighters reported that a heat source remained inside the affected area, creating an ongoing safety risk.
Consequently, officials urged residents to remain at least 150 metres away from the military complex while emergency crews continued their work. Authorities have launched efforts to determine what caused the explosion and assess the full extent of the damage.
The incident has raised concerns over the storage of pyrotechnic materials at military facilities. Officials are expected to provide further information as emergency operations continue and investigators examine the site.
