At least 10 people were killed and 62 injured after a powerful explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, about 30 km from La Paz, on Friday. Local authorities said the blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. in an area used to store pyrotechnic materials.
Officials said the explosion originated from the Defense Ministry’s fireworks stockpile, although the exact cause has not yet been established. Among the injured were civilians, including a girl who suffered third-degree burns. Several seriously injured people were transferred to hospitals in La Paz.
The blast also damaged nearby homes, with windows shattered by the powerful shockwave. Emergency teams, including firefighters, police, medical personnel and military units, were deployed to the scene. Authorities warned residents to remain at least 150 metres away because a heat source remained at the site and could potentially cause another explosion.
News as Reported.
