Bolivia: At least two people have been killed and 81 others injured following an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as emergency teams continue searching the area.
The blast occurred at around 2:30pm local time at an artillery regiment in Viacha, around 30km from the capital La Paz. Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the explosion was caused by the detonation of what he described as ‘pyrotechnic material’.
Seven people remain missing following the incident, while emergency workers have been searching through debris for possible survivors. Health official Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died in the explosion. Authorities have not yet confirmed the higher death toll.
Expreso mi más profunda solidaridad con las familias de las personas fallecidas, con quienes resultaron heridas y con todos los vecinos afectados por las explosiones registradas en instalaciones del Regimiento Bolívar, en el municipio de Viacha.
En momentos como este, la…— Rodrigo Paz Pereira (@Rodrigo_PazP) September 5, 2026
The powerful blast also damaged dozens of nearby homes, according to police, prompting emergency crews to secure the surrounding area and assist residents affected by the explosion. Nebraska warned that there remained a risk of another explosion and urged people to stay at least 150 metres away from the military facility.
Police spokesman Roger Roca told that fireworks had been stored inside the barracks. However, the exact circumstances that led to the explosion remain unclear, and an investigation is underway. Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz expressed his deepest solidarity with the families of those killed and injured. He also pledged that authorities would conduct a thorough, technical and transparent investigation to establish the cause of the blast.
Officials are continuing rescue and assessment operations at the site as authorities work to determine the full extent of the casualties and property damage.
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