At least 10 individuals lost their lives and numerous others were wounded on Friday following an explosion at a military compound in Viacha, Bolivia, located approximately 30 kilometers from La Paz, according to local officials. The incident took place at about 2:30 p.m. local time in an area designated for storing pyrotechnic materials, as confirmed by authorities.
While the exact cause is still under investigation, officials have indicated that the explosion originated from the defense ministry’s supply of fireworks. Rita Nebraska, the health director in Viacha, reported that between 10 to 15 individuals are believed to have perished in the explosion, with 62 individuals sustaining injuries. Among the injured, 14 were transported to hospitals in La Paz, which included a young girl with severe third-degree burns.
Police mentioned that more than 50 individuals were wounded, and numerous residences suffered damage, primarily due to shattered windows caused by the explosion. Ambulances, medical teams, and law enforcement were dispatched to the military facility to assess the extent of the damage and evacuate the injured to medical facilities.
Nebraska highlighted that firefighters cautioned about a remaining heat source at the site, heightening the potential for another explosion, and advised residents to maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from the area.