At least two dead in blast at Bolivia military barracks

What the report says

At least two people have been killed and dozens injured after an explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, according to BBC World News citing local authorities and Reuters. The blast happened at around 14:30 local time on Friday at a base about 30km from La Paz, where an artillery regiment is stationed. Officials said the incident may have been caused by pyrotechnic material stored at the barracks, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said at least 58 people were injured. Health official Rita Nebraska told local television that the death toll could be significantly higher, with between 10 and 15 people believed dead at the time of her remarks, and authorities warned that further explosions were possible. Police also reported that dozens of nearby homes were damaged, mainly by shattered windows, and emergency teams were still searching the rubble.

Officials urged the public to keep away from the military base, with Nebraska advising people to stay at least 150 metres away because of the risk of additional blasts. Police spokesman Roger Roca said fireworks had been stored at the site. Viacha authorities declared three days of mourning. The incident highlights safety risks around stored explosive or pyrotechnic material and the potential for casualty counts to change as rescue work continues.