Two explosions at a military facility in Viacha, Bolivia, killed at least 10 people and injured dozens, authorities said. Seven people remained missing after the blasts in an area used to store pyrotechnic material.
The explosions occurred on Friday about 30km (18 miles) from La Paz, Bolivia’s administrative capital. The cause remained under investigation, and firefighters warned that a heat source at the site could trigger another explosion.
What happened at the facility
The facility stored fireworks and other pyrotechnic material, according to police spokesman Roger Roca. He said the cause of the explosions was not yet known.
Deputy Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano Urenda said about 50 civilians and six military personnel injured in the blasts had been treated by medical centres in Viacha.
What we know now
- Viacha health director Rita Nebraska said 10 to 15 people were believed to have been killed and 62 were injured.
- Fourteen wounded people were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with third-degree burns.
- Authorities urged residents to remain at least 150 metres from the facility.
- Police said nearby homes were damaged and civilians were injured by shattered glass.
Investigation and safety warning
Urenda said investigators were examining how the pyrotechnic material was stored and whether anyone was responsible for the explosions.
Firefighters’ warning about the remaining heat source prompted the 150-metre safety perimeter. Social-media footage showed an explosion breaking windows in nearby buildings and sending debris into the air as thick black smoke rose from the facility.
What happens next
Authorities are continuing an investigation into the cause of the explosions, storage conditions and possible responsibility.
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