At least 10 individuals lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries on Friday following an explosion at a military compound in Viacha, Bolivia, approximately 30 kilometers away from La Paz, as confirmed by local officials. The incident took place around 2:30 p.m. local time in an area designated for the storage of pyrotechnic materials, authorities reported. Although the exact cause is still under investigation, authorities indicated that the explosion originated from the defense ministry’s fireworks depot.
Rita Nebraska, the health director in Viacha, mentioned in a television interview that the tragedy resulted in the deaths of an estimated 10 to 15 individuals, with 62 people sustaining injuries. Fourteen of the injured were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a young girl with severe third-degree burns. Police reported over 50 individuals injured and numerous homes damaged, primarily due to shattered windows caused by the explosion.
Emergency services, including ambulances, medical teams, and law enforcement, swiftly responded to the military facility to evaluate the extent of the damage and evacuate the injured to healthcare facilities. Nebraska highlighted that firefighters had cautioned about the presence of a lingering heat source at the site, heightening the risk of another explosion, and advised residents to maintain a safe distance of at least 150 meters from the area.