At least two individuals have lost their lives following an explosion at a military installation in Bolivia, though authorities warn that the final casualty count could increase significantly.
Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano reported that 58 people were injured after ‘pyrotechnic material’ detonated at the artillery regiment’s barracks on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT).
Health official Rita Nebraska stated that between 10 and 15 people are believed to have died in the blast, which took place in Viacha, a town located approximately 30km from the capital, La Paz. Police spokesperson Roger Roca told AFP that fireworks were stored at the facility, but the specific cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Emergency crews are currently searching through debris, and dozens of nearby homes have sustained damage, primarily shattered windows. Nebraska cautioned the public about the risk of further explosions, urging residents to maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from the military base.
In response to the tragedy, local authorities in Viacha have declared three days of mourning.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. Hoping the injured survivors pull through and that the death toll doesn’t climb higher.
Storing fireworks near barracks? Seems like a major safety oversight. Why were pyrotechnics even there in the first place?