Explosions at Bolivian military facility kill two and injure 81

Two explosions at a Bolivian military facility storing pyrotechnic material killed two people and injured 81 others on Friday, authorities said. Two of the injured were in serious condition, and seven people remained missing.

“

Until now, we have confirmed two deaths and seven people reported missing.

The blasts occurred at about 2:30 p.m. in Viacha, a city of roughly 100,000 people about 30 kilometers from La Paz. Local media showed broken windows, debris thrown into the air and a thick column of black smoke rising over the city.

Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the dead and missing were military personnel serving at the facility. The injured were taken to medical centers across Viacha, while residents from the surrounding area moved to a temporary shelter. Justiniano said it was not yet safe for them to return because the shock wave had damaged homes.

“

Thorough, technical and transparent

Electricity was cut in the affected area, where dozens of police officers were deployed. President Rodrigo Paz expressed solidarity with the victims’ families, the injured and affected residents, and ordered what he called a “thorough, technical and transparent” investigation. He said authorities needed to establish the causes, verify whether safety protocols were followed and determine any responsibility.

“

We must establish with absolute clarity the causes of this event, verify compliance with safety protocols and determine any responsibilities that may arise.

Justiniano said the first explosion apparently involved black powder stored with the pyrotechnic material. A second blast, “much greater in magnitude,” followed. Officials had not yet determined the cause or material involved in the second explosion. The incident was reported as under control.

“

Much greater in magnitude