At least 10 individuals lost their lives and many others sustained injuries on Friday following an explosion at a military facility in Viacha, Bolivia, located approximately 30 kilometers from La Paz, as confirmed by local officials. The incident, which took place around 2:30 p.m. local time, occurred in an area designated for storing pyrotechnic materials.
While the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, authorities have indicated that it stemmed from the fireworks stockpile of the defense ministry. Rita Nebraska, the health director in Viacha, mentioned in an interview with local media that between 10 to 15 fatalities were presumed, with 62 individuals reported injured. Fourteen of the wounded were transported to hospitals in La Paz, including a young girl with severe burns.
Police reported over 50 injuries and significant damage to numerous residences, primarily due to shattered windows from the explosion. Emergency services, including ambulances, medical teams, and law enforcement, swiftly responded to the military complex to evaluate the situation, provide assistance to the injured, and facilitate their transfer to healthcare facilities.
Nebraska highlighted that firefighters had cautioned about the presence of a lingering heat source at the scene, heightening the risk of a subsequent explosion. Residents were advised to maintain a safe distance of at least 150 meters from the site as a precautionary measure.
