An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, approximately 30 kilometres from La Paz, has claimed at least two lives, though officials fear the death toll may rise significantly. The blast occurred around 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) on Friday at a facility housing an artillery regiment, injuring at least 81 people and leaving seven others unaccounted for.
Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano attributed the incident to detonation of "pyrotechnic material" stored at the installation. However, health official Rita Nebraska provided a more alarming assessment to local media, suggesting between 10 and 15 people may have perished in the disaster, according to reporting by a major international news agency.
What caused the explosion?
Police spokesman Roger Roca told a news agency that fireworks had been kept at the barracks, though investigators have not yet determined the precise cause of the detonation. The circumstances that led to the ignition of the pyrotechnic materials remain under active investigation by authorities.
What damage has been reported?
The blast's force was substantial enough to damage dozens of residential properties in the surrounding area. Emergency personnel have been conducting extensive search operations through the debris field to locate survivors and recover victims. Rita Nebraska warned of the possibility that additional explosions could occur and advised residents to maintain a distance of at least 150 metres from the military base as a precautionary measure.
How have officials responded?
President Rodrigo Paz issued a statement expressing his "deepest solidarity" with families affected by the tragedy. He committed to ensuring a "thorough, technical and transparent investigation" into the circumstances of the explosion. Local authorities in Viacha have declared a three-day period of mourning in response to the disaster.
Key Facts
- The explosion occurred at a military barracks in Viacha, 30km from La Paz, on Friday afternoon
- At least 81 people were injured and seven remain missing, with death toll estimates ranging from 2 to 15
- Pyrotechnic materials stored at the facility are believed to have detonated, though the exact cause is under investigation
- Dozens of homes in the vicinity sustained damage from the blast
- Local authorities have declared three days of mourning
