Several feared dead in explosion at Bolivia military base; over 58 injured

At least 10 individuals lost their lives and over 50 others were injured following a blast at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, on Friday. The explosion, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time, took place in a storage area for pyrotechnic material. The source of the blast remains unknown, but authorities confirmed it originated from the defense ministry's fireworks stockpile.

Rita Nebraska, Viacha's health director, reported that between 10 and 15 fatalities were confirmed, with 62 people suffering injuries. Fourteen of the wounded were airlifted to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with third-degree burns. A police spokesperson noted that more than 50 individuals sustained injuries, and numerous homes were damaged, primarily due to shattered windows.

Emergency responders, including ambulances, medical teams, and police, were dispatched to the military complex to evaluate the extent of the damage and transport the injured to nearby health centers. Nebraska cautioned that a heat source remained at the site, posing a risk of further explosions, and advised residents to maintain a safe distance of at least 150 meters.