Bolivian blast death toll rises to 7, rescuers search for missing soldiers

What the report says

Bolivia’s death toll from explosions at a military barracks in Viacha, near La Paz, has risen to seven, according to Al Jazeera’s report on Monday, as rescue teams continue searching for seven people still missing three days after the blasts. Army commander Hector Alarcon said the missing include soldiers, while Health Minister Marcela Flores said 84 people have received treatment and 31 remain hospitalized.

The explosions happened Friday afternoon in an area of the base used to store pyrotechnic materials, including confiscated fireworks, grenades and TNT-based explosives. President Rodrigo Paz said the incident appears to have been an accident linked to improper handling of those materials, though prosecutors in Viacha have opened a case involving possible manslaughter and other crimes. Investigators are also examining storage procedures at the facility.

Paz declared national mourning and called for unity, while saying the armed forces would review safety protocols for personnel and nearby residents. The blasts damaged surrounding homes, forced evacuations to temporary shelter, and left some residents unable to return because of the shockwave damage. Al Jazeera also reported that many of the missing and some of the dead were young conscripts completing mandatory military service, adding to public concern over base safety and emergency response.