At least two dead in blast at Bolivia military barracks

An explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia has claimed at least two lives, with authorities warning the death toll could rise. The blast, which occurred around 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) on Friday, injured 81 people and left 14 others missing. Health officials estimate the death count may be between 10 and 15. The incident took place in Viacha, a town approximately 30km (19 miles) from the capital city of La Paz.

The explosion, caused by "pyrotechnic material," damaged dozens of homes, prompting emergency responders to search the debris.

Bolivia's Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano revealed that a sergeant and 13 conscripted soldiers, aged between 18 and 19-years-old, are among the missing. President Rodrigo Paz expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, vowing a thorough, technical, and transparent investigation into the incident. The cause of the explosion, which involved fireworks stored at the barracks, remains under investigation.

Viacha authorities have declared a three-day mourning period. Police spokesperson Roger Roca stated that emergency workers are urging the public to maintain a safe distance, at least 150m away from the military base, due to the risk of a further explosion.