Bolivia’s ombudsman demands impartial, transparent investigation into Viacha explosion

Bolivia’s ombudsman is demanding a "swift, transparent and impartial" investigation into the double explosion at the Bolívar Mechanized Artillery Regiment in Viacha, including a clear determination of its causes and those responsible.

Pedro Callisaya, head of the Ombudsman’s Office, expressed solidarity with the families of those who died and said the institution would support affected people and defend the rights of the injured. He also called on authorities to adopt measures to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

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We accompany the pain of the families who are facing the loss of their loved ones after the regrettable events at the Bolívar Regiment in Viacha. We express our deepest solidarity and condolences in this difficult moment.

"We accompany the pain of the families who are facing the loss of their loved ones after the regrettable events at the Bolívar Regiment in Viacha. We express our deepest solidarity and condolences in this difficult moment," Callisaya said. He added, "They are not alone. We continue working firmly to provide them with the certainty, justice and hope they need today."

The ombudsman also demanded clear and immediate information about people reported missing. "Certainty is a fundamental human right," he said.

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They are not alone. We continue working firmly to provide them with the certainty, justice and hope they need today.

Under its constitutional mandate and Law 870, the office deployed teams from its regional coordination unit in El Alto and its departmental delegation in La Paz. They carried out checks and provided support at nine hospitals, including facilities in Viacha, La Paz and military hospitals. An initial register at Viacha’s second-level hospital listed 86 people treated.

The office said it continued to monitor hospitalized patients and verify that they received timely, appropriate and dignified medical care. It also helped arrange ambulance transfers for specialist examinations, including CT scans, while coordinating with municipal authorities, police investigators, prosecutors, the Defense Ministry and military commanders. The Defense Minister endorsed a transparent investigation by the relevant authorities.

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Certainty is a fundamental human right.