At least 10 killed in explosion at Bolivia military base; over 50 injured

An explosion at a military base in Bolivia claimed at least 10 lives and left over 50 people injured on Friday afternoon, according to local health director Rita Nebraska. The blast occurred around 2:30 pm local time at a military complex in Viacha, situated approximately 30 kilometers from La Paz. Authorities revealed that the explosion targeted a stockpile of pyrotechnic material held by the country's defense ministry.

The death toll might rise to 15, with 62 people reported injured, including a victim suffering from third-degree burns. Fourteen injured individuals were transported to La Paz hospitals. Police confirmed that more than 50 people suffered injuries, and the blast inflicted damage on numerous homes in the vicinity, primarily due to shattered windows.

Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, deploying ambulances, medical teams, and police personnel to survey the aftermath and evacuate the wounded to nearby medical facilities. Authorities cautioned residents to maintain a safe distance of at least 150 meters from the site, as firefighters detected residual heat that posed a risk of triggering another explosion.