An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 10 individuals and left dozens more injured. The incident took place around 2:30 p.m. local time in an area designated for storing pyrotechnic materials. Although the exact cause is still under investigation, authorities have linked the explosion to the fireworks stockpile of the defense ministry.
Rita Nebraska, the health director in Viacha, reported that between 10 to 15 individuals lost their lives in the explosion, with 62 others sustaining injuries. Among the wounded, 14 were transported to hospitals in La Paz, with one victim, a young girl, suffering from severe third-degree burns. Over 50 people were injured in total, and numerous homes were damaged due to shattered windows caused by the blast.
Emergency services, including ambulances, medical teams, and police, swiftly responded to the military complex to evaluate the situation, provide assistance to the injured, and facilitate evacuations to healthcare facilities. Concerns were raised about the presence of a heat source at the explosion site, heightening the risk of a secondary blast. Residents were advised to maintain a safe distance of at least 150 meters from the area as a precautionary measure.