In brief
A blast at a Bolivian military barracks in Viacha on 5 September 2026 caused at least two deaths and injured 58 civilians. Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano reported the detonation of pyrotechnic material at an artillery regiment, while health officials estimated 10‑15 fatalities. The explosion shattered windows of nearby homes, and authorities warned of a potential secondary blast, directing residents to stay at least 150 m away from the site. In response, Viacha declared three days of mourning as police search the rubble.
At least two dead in blast at Bolivia military barracks
At least two people have been killed after an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia but authorities fear the toll could be higher.
Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said at least 58 people had been injured when "pyrotechnic material" detonated at the barracks where an artillery regiment is stationed, around 14:30 (18:30 GMT) on Friday.
Health official Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died in the incident in Viacha, roughly 30 km (19 miles) from La Paz.
Police said dozens of homes were damaged, largely with shattered windows, and emergency workers are searching the rubble.
Nebraska warned of a risk of further explosion and urged people to stay at least 150 m away from the military base.
Police spokesman Roger Roca told AFP news agency that fireworks had been stored at the barracks, and the cause of the blast remained under investigation.
Viacha's authorities have declared three days of mourning.
