At Least Two Killed, More Than 50 Injured In Bolivia Military Base Explosions

At least two people have died and more than 50 have been injured after explosions at a military facility in Viacha, Bolivia. The blasts occurred in an area where pyrotechnic materials were stored and also damaged nearby homes. Authorities say 14 people are missing, while emergency teams continue rescue operations and investigations into the cause.

At least two people have been killed and more than 50 others injured after explosions rocked a military facility in the Bolivian city of Viacha, authorities said.
The blasts occurred on Friday afternoon at the Centro General de Mantenimiento of the RAM-2 “Bolívar” military regiment, about 30 kilometres from Bolivia’s administrative capital, La Paz.
The explosions occurred in an area where pyrotechnic materials were stored. Authorities have launched an investigation into what caused the incident.

EXPLOSIONS ROCK MILITARY FACILITY

The first explosion occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time, followed by another blast.
The force of the explosions damaged parts of the military facility and nearby homes. Residents reported broken windows and other damage caused by the shockwave.
Emergency services, ambulances, firefighters and medical teams were dispatched to the scene as authorities worked to evacuate injured people and secure the area.

MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE INJURED

The number of injured increased as emergency teams assessed victims.
Bolivia's Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano initially reported 58 injured people, including 52 civilians and six military personnel. Other reports later put the number at 59 or 62.
Several of the injured required treatment at hospitals in La Paz.
Among them was a girl who suffered third-degree burns, according to local health authorities.

PEOPLE REMAIN MISSING

Authorities have also reported missing people following the explosions.
The Defence Ministry said 14 people were missing, although an earlier police statement gave a lower figure.
Search and rescue teams continued working around the military facility as authorities attempted to determine whether anyone remained trapped or unaccounted for.

PYROTECHNIC MATERIAL STORED AT THE BASE

Officials said the explosions occurred in a section used to store pyrotechnic materials.
The Bolivian Army said the material consisted of fireworks that were part of the Defence Ministry's inventory.
Authorities have not yet established exactly what triggered the initial explosion or why the stored material detonated.
An investigation is expected to examine the storage conditions and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

FEARS OF ANOTHER EXPLOSION

Firefighters warned that a heat source remained at the site, creating concerns that another explosion could occur.
Residents were urged to stay away from the area while emergency crews assessed the danger.
Authorities established a safety perimeter around the military facility and continued efforts to make the site safe before allowing people to return.
NEARBY HOMES ALSO DAMAGED
The explosions affected more than the military compound.
The powerful shockwave shattered windows and damaged homes in surrounding neighbourhoods.
The incident caused widespread alarm in Viacha, with residents rushing away from the area as smoke and debris spread from the military facility.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

The cause of the explosions remains under investigation.
Authorities are expected to determine how the pyrotechnic materials were stored, what triggered the first blast and whether any safety regulations were breached.
For now, emergency responders remain focused on treating the injured, locating missing people and preventing further explosions.
With the casualty figures still developing, authorities have warned residents to remain away from the affected area until the site is declared safe.