Blasts at Bolivian military base kill at least 10, injure dozens

What the report says

Two explosions at a military facility in Viacha, Bolivia, have killed at least 10 people and injured dozens more, according to authorities cited by Al Jazeera and Reuters. The site, about 30km from La Paz, was being used to store pyrotechnic material, including fireworks, and the blasts happened on Friday. Officials said the death toll could be higher, with one local health director saying 10 to 15 people were feared dead.

The reported injuries included civilians and military personnel. Al Jazeera reported that 62 people were hurt, with 14 taken to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with severe burns. Deputy Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano Urenda said about 50 civilians and six soldiers had received treatment at medical centres in Viacha. Police also said seven people were missing. Nearby homes were damaged, and many residents were injured by broken glass.

Authorities said the cause of the blasts had not yet been determined. Police said a heat source remained at the site after the explosions, prompting warnings for people to stay away because of the risk of another blast. An investigation is under way into how the pyrotechnic material was stored and whether anyone may be responsible. For Bolivia, the incident adds to concern over safety at military storage sites and the risks posed by explosive materials in populated areas.