Explosion at Bolivian military base kills at least 10 and injures dozens

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured on Friday when an explosion struck a military barracks in Viacha, about 30 kilometers from La Paz.

The blast occurred at around 2:30 p.m. in an area used to store pyrotechnic material. Officials said it originated from the Defense Ministry’s fireworks stockpile, although the cause had not yet been established.

Viacha health director Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died and that 62 people were injured. Fourteen wounded people, including a girl with third-degree burns, were transferred to hospitals in La Paz. Police said more than 50 people were injured and that dozens of homes were damaged, mainly by shattered windows.

Ambulances, medical teams and police were sent to the military complex to assess the damage and evacuate the wounded. Nebraska said firefighters had warned that a heat source remained at the site, creating a risk of another explosion, and urged residents to remain at least 150 meters away.