Explosion at Bolivian military base kills at least 10, dozens injured

A devastating explosion ripped through a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia on Friday, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and dozens of injuries. The blast, which occurred around 2:30 PM local time, took place in an area designated for storing pyrotechnic materials within the defense ministry's warehouse. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion, which originated from the stockpile of fireworks.

Viacha's health director, Rita Nebraska, reported that the casualty count may reach up to 15, while 62 individuals sustained injuries. Among the wounded, 14 require hospitalization, including a girl suffering from third-degree burns. The extent of the damage was significant, with over 50 people injured and numerous homes destroyed, primarily due to shattered windows.

In response to the emergency, emergency services, including ambulances, medical teams, and police forces, swiftly arrived at the scene to evaluate the damage and transport the wounded to nearby health centers. Local firefighters had previously cautioned that a heat source remained at the site, posing a threat of another potentially catastrophic explosion. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance of at least 150 meters from the affected area to ensure the safety of the surrounding residents.