Police Confirm Two Dead and Seven Missing in Bolivia Barracks Explosion

Two people died and seven remained missing after an explosion at a military facility in Viacha, near Bolivia’s capital, police said. About 59 people were injured in the blast at the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 “Bolívar” unit.

National police deputy commander Col. Roger Roca said the incident was under control but that search and verification efforts were continuing. “So far, the incident is under control. We regret that seven people are currently missing, and it has been physically confirmed that two people have died,” he told reporters.

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So far, the incident is under control. We regret that seven people are currently missing, and it has been physically confirmed that two people have died.

The Defense Ministry’s initial report described the detonation as accidental and said it involved pyrotechnic material stored at the barracks. The explosion caused considerable material damage. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said emergency, evacuation and medical response measures were activated immediately, while authorities isolated the area and began assessing the damage.

Officials have not yet established the cause. Justiniano said the investigation would examine how the material had been stored and determine any responsibilities. Health authorities in La Paz activated an emergency and contingency plan to transfer and treat the injured. They said eight injuries were serious and seven minors were among those hurt. At least 52 of the injured were civilians. The identities of the two dead had not been confirmed.

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From the very first moment, emergency, evacuation and medical assistance mechanisms were activated.