UN offers aid to Viacha as army identifies conscript killed in blast tragedy

Families of 13 missing people maintained a vigil outside a military barracks in Viacha, waiting for news as rescuers searched for bodies after the explosion that struck the town.

Only soldiers from other departments had left the facility, while those who lived in the country's interior remained inside, the report said. The families stayed at the barracks despite being offered accommodation elsewhere in the town.

The United Nations system in Bolivia offered immediate assistance on Saturday, saying it would coordinate with authorities to respond to the needs of people in the most vulnerable situation. It also expressed wishes for the swift recovery of those injured.

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We reaffirm our willingness to support, in coordination with the authorities, an timely response to the needs of those who are currently in the most vulnerable situation, and we join the wishes for a speedy recovery of the injured.

The reported toll stood at 84 injured, three dead and 13 missing. The blast's shock wave damaged numerous homes, causing what the report described as incalculable economic losses.

The army identified the first dead conscript as Soldier Wilson Copa Mamani. It said he had been carrying out his military service at the unit and that his family would receive support, assistance and all benefits provided under current regulations. The army expressed its condolences to his relatives, loved ones and fellow soldiers.

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The soldier Wilson Copa Mamani was found dead this Saturday. The Bolivian Army expresses its profound sorrow over this irreparable loss and conveys its deepest condolences and solidarity to his family, loved ones and comrades.