Credited from: SCMP
On Friday, a devastating explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, resulted in at least 10 fatalities and 62 injuries, affecting various local families. Viacha health director Rita Nebraska indicated the death toll could reach between 10 and 15 individuals and noted that 14 of those injured were transported to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl suffering from third-degree burns, according to SCMP, Al Jazeera, and BBC.
The explosions occurred at approximately 2:30 PM local time in the vicinity of pyrotechnic material storage, with seven individuals still unaccounted for. The Deputy Minister of Defence revealed that, in total, at least 81 people sustained injuries, including civilians and military personnel. The blasts caused considerable damage, including shattered windows in nearby homes, reports indicate, according to SCMP and Al Jazeera.
Authorities are actively investigating the explosions to determine their exact cause and any possible negligence regarding the storage of the pyrotechnic materials, as highlighted by police spokesman Roger Roca. Precautionary measures have been implemented, urging residents to maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from the site due to ongoing risks of further explosions, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.
In the wake of the disaster, Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz extended condolences to the victims' families and promised a "thorough, technical and transparent investigation" into the events surrounding the explosion. The local government has also declared three days of mourning for the victims, emphasizing the national impact of this tragic incident, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.