Bolivia's ombudsman demands prompt investigation into military-base explosions

Bolivia's ombudsman, Pedro Callisaya, has demanded a prompt, transparent and impartial investigation into two explosions at a military facility near La Paz that killed two people, left 14 missing and injured at least 81.

The blasts occurred on Friday at the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 Bolívar Mechanized Artillery Regiment in Viacha, about 35 kilometers from La Paz. The dead were both military personnel. The missing include 13 soldiers and a sergeant, according to preliminary information from the regiment's commander, Antonio Amaru.

Callisaya said the investigation must establish the exact causes, identify responsibility and ensure definitive measures to prevent a similar tragedy. He also said his office was monitoring the injured to protect their right to timely and dignified medical care. Families, he added, must receive clear and immediate information about those still missing.

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Transparent and impartial

Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the incident involved "two significant detonations." He said the first explosion may have involved black powder from pyrotechnic material stored at the barracks, followed by a second blast of much greater magnitude. Specialists and an investigation must determine the causes and the material involved.

La Paz departmental prosecutor Luis Carlos Torrez said prosecutors opened an investigation on their own initiative into possible negligent homicide, negligent injuries and other damage. Affected families are staying temporarily at the Army Military Music School, where humanitarian assistance is being organized. Viacha declared three days of mourning and a disaster situation to help secure resources for the emergency.

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Two significant detonations