LA PAZ — At least two people were killed and 81 injured after two major explosions ripped through a military base in western Bolivia on Friday, authorities said. Seven people were also reported missing.
The Defense Ministry said the explosions occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time at the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 “Bolívar” military base in Viacha.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first explosion involved black powder linked to pyrotechnic material stored at the facility. A second, significantly more powerful explosion followed.
Justiniano said two of the 81 injured were in critical condition.
He declined to speculate on whether the death toll could rise as emergency crews continued removing debris.
The Viacha municipal government said the explosions affected an area within a 1-kilometer radius. They caused widespread property damage and left hazardous ordnance exposed in public areas.
Viacha lies about 22 kilometers southwest of La Paz, Bolivia’s administrative capital.
Municipal authorities declared three days of mourning following the explosions.
President Rodrigo Paz expressed his “deepest solidarity” with those affected and ordered a thorough and transparent investigation.
Paz said the government would not speculate or rush to conclusions about responsibility while authorities investigate the cause of the explosions.
Source: Saudi Gazette