In brief
An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, about 30 km from La Paz, left at least two dead and dozens injured, with health officials estimating up to 15 casualties. The blast, caused by pyrotechnic material stored at the site, shattered windows in nearby homes and may still pose a risk of a second detonation. Police identified fireworks as the likely cause but investigations remain ongoing. Viacha authorities declared three days of mourning following the incident.
A blast that rocked a military barracks near Viacha on Friday left at least two people dead and more than fifty injured, authorities said.
The Barracks, home to an artillery regiment, detonated pyrotechnic material at about 14:30 local time, causing shock waves that shattered windows in dozens of nearby homes. Police spokesman Roger Roca said fireworks had been stored there and the incident was still under investigation.
Health officials estimated 10 to 15 deaths while a Defense Minister confirmed 58 injuries. The Governor of the region urged residents to keep a safe distance, citing a possible risk of a further explosion.
In the aftermath, Viacha’s authorities declared three days of mourning to honour the victims. The military and police are continuing rescue operations under tight security conditions.
For more details, see the original coverage from Reuters: Reuters report.
