At least 10 individuals lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries on Friday due to an explosion at a military compound in Viacha, Bolivia, located approximately 30 kilometers from La Paz, according to local officials. The incident took place around 2:30 p.m. local time in a section designated for storing pyrotechnic materials, as confirmed by authorities.
While the exact cause is still under investigation, authorities have indicated that the explosion originated from the defense ministry’s supply of fireworks. Rita Nebraska, the health director in Viacha, reported that between 10 to 15 individuals are presumed to have perished, with 62 others suffering injuries. Among the injured, 14 were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a young girl with severe third-degree burns.
Reports from the police revealed that over 50 individuals sustained injuries, and numerous residences suffered damage, primarily from shattered windows caused by the explosion. Emergency response teams, including ambulances, medical personnel, and law enforcement, were swiftly dispatched to the military compound to evaluate the extent of the destruction and transport the injured to medical facilities.
Nebraska cautioned that a heat source remained at the site, heightening the risk of another explosion, and advised residents to maintain a safe distance of at least 150 meters from the area.