At least 10 individuals were killed and 59 injured following a powerful explosion at an army barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, on Friday, according to local authorities. Early reports from police indicated at least two fatalities and several missing persons, but the death toll has since risen.
The blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time in a storage area for pyrotechnic materials. Viacha is located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the capital, La Paz. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano announced via Facebook that 52 of the injured were civilians, while the remainder were military personnel. Rita Nebraska, the health director in Viacha, told local television that the final fatality count could range between 10 and 15.
Fourteen of the wounded were transported to hospitals in La Paz. Among them was a young girl suffering from third-degree burns. Police reported that several nearby homes were damaged, with windows shattering due to the force of the blast.
Firefighters have warned that a heat source remains at the site, posing a risk of a secondary explosion. Residents have been urged to maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from the area. Rescue teams and ambulances have been deployed to assist the injured and assess the damage.
Devastating news. I can’t imagine the panic those civilians felt just going about their day near the base.
Why are pyrotechnic stores located so close to residential areas? This seems like a preventable tragedy entirely.
The secondary explosion risk is terrifying. Hope first responders stay safe while they clear that remaining heat source.