Two dead, 81 hurt after blasts rock Bolivia army barracks

VIACHA, September 5 — Two blasts at a Bolivian army barracks killed at least two people and left 81 injured, authorities reported on Friday. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano stated that "pyrotechnic material" was stored at the base in Viacha, southwest of Bolivia's capital La Paz. The exact cause of the explosions, which occurred around 2:30pm (1830 GMT), is under investigation.

Footage showed a thick column of black smoke rising from the city center, with houses damaged by shattered windows, broken ceilings, and scattered debris. The defense minister confirmed two deaths and seven missing persons, all soldiers. Seven individuals, including two in serious condition, were hospitalized. The dead and missing were all soldiers from the base, according to the defense ministry.

Earlier reports indicated 59 wounded, with at least 52 civilians among them. Firefighters and residents were evacuated to a temporary shelter, and power was cut in the area. President Rodrigo Paz expressed deep solidarity with the affected families and ordered a thorough investigation, emphasizing the need to verify safety protocols and assign any potential responsibilities.

Viacha declared three days of mourning. Justiniano mentioned that the first blast involved "black powder corresponding to pyrotechnic material" and that a second, more powerful explosion followed. The defense ministry emphasized that no military weapons were detonated. The priority now is caring for the injured, supporting their families, and continuing search and verification efforts, Justiniano stated.