Bolivia Base Blast Leaves 2 Dead, 14 Missing
At least two people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured after explosions tore through a military facility in Viacha, Bolivia, while 14 people were reported missing. Local health officials earlier estimated that the eventual death toll could be substantially higher.
Bolivia Military Base Explosion Hits Viacha
The explosions occurred at around 2.30 pm local time on September 4 at the RAM-2 “Bolívar” military facility in Viacha, about 30 kilometres from Bolivia’s administrative capital La Paz.
Authorities said the blast originated in an area used to store pyrotechnic material belonging to the Defence Ministry. The precise cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Initial official figures confirmed two deaths, while the Defence Ministry said 14 people were missing. Viacha health director Rita Nebraska separately estimated that between 10 and 15 people may have died, although that higher toll had not been formally confirmed at the time of the ministry’s update.
Dozens Injured in Viacha Military Blast
More than 50 people were injured, with local reports placing the number as high as 62 or more. Fourteen patients were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl suffering from third-degree burns.
Many of those hurt were civilians, and nearby homes were damaged as the force of the explosions shattered windows and sent debris across the surrounding area.
Authorities Investigate Fireworks Storage
Emergency crews, police and medical teams were deployed as search operations continued. Firefighters warned that residual heat at the site could trigger further explosions and advised residents to remain at least 150 metres away.
Authorities are investigating how the pyrotechnic material was stored, what triggered the explosions and whether negligence or other responsibility was involved.
