At least ten people died and dozens more sustained injuries following a major explosion at a military base in Viacha, located approximately 30 kilometers from La Paz, according to local authorities. The blast, which ripped through a warehouse storing pyrotechnic materials and fireworks for the Ministry of Defense, triggered widespread property damage and prompted emergency evacuations across the area.
Blast at Viacha Military Base Leaves 10 Dead and 62 Injured
The catastrophic explosion struck a military storage facility holding defense ministry fireworks in Viacha. According to official reports from the scene, the incident resulted in 10 to 15 fatalities, while 62 individuals suffered various injuries. Emergency responders transferred 14 of the most critical casualties to hospitals in nearby La Paz for urgent medical care.
The force of the blast wreaked havoc on surrounding residential zones. Many nearby houses sustained heavy structural damage, with the overwhelming majority of windows shattered by the concussive force of the detonation.
Official Investigation and Ongoing Safety Risks at the Scene
Bolivian authorities stated that the exact cause of the explosion remains under active investigation. In the immediate aftermath, firefighters working at the site issued urgent safety warnings regarding the high risk of secondary detonations. Response teams ordered local residents to maintain a safety perimeter of at least 150 meters away from the base.
Did you know?
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz addressed the tragedy on the X social media platform. He expressed profound condolences to the families of the victims and the affected community, while confirming that he ordered a thorough, comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the explosion at the Viacha military base?
According to official reports, the exact cause is currently under investigation by authorities.
How many casualties were reported from the incident?
Authorities confirmed between 10 and 15 fatalities, alongside 62 reported injuries, with 14 patients transferred to La Paz hospitals.
What safety measures were implemented after the blast?
Firefighters established a 150-meter exclusion zone around the site due to the high risk of secondary explosions from remaining pyrotechnic materials.
Stay Informed
For continuing updates on this developing story and other international news reports, subscribe to our daily news briefing or explore our ongoing world news coverage.