Explosion at Bolivian Military Base Kills 10, Injures Dozens

Bolivian local authorities confirmed that at least 10 people died and dozens were injured on Friday following a large explosion at a military barracks in the municipality of Viacha, located approximately 30 kilometers from La Paz.

The blast occurred at around 2:30 p.m. local time—1830 GMT—in an area designated for storing explosive materials.

The cause remains unknown, though officials stated the detonation originated from a stockpile of fireworks under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense.

Rita Nebresca, Viacha’s health director, told a local television channel that between 10 and 15 people are believed to have died in the explosion, while 62 others sustained injuries.

Nebresca added that 14 of the injured were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl suffering third-degree burns.

Police reported more than 50 injured individuals and widespread damage to dozens of homes, most of which suffered shattered windows due to the blast’s force.

Emergency medical teams, ambulances, and police units deployed to the military compound to assess damage and transport casualties to healthcare facilities.

Nebresca said firefighters warned of an active heat source still present at the site, raising the risk of a secondary explosion, and urged residents to maintain a minimum distance of 150 meters from the location.