At least two dead in blast at Bolivia military barracks



Explosion at a military unit in Viacha, Bolivia, September 4, 2026, captured in a social media video.
The explosion occurred at a barracks in Viacha, about 30 km from La Paz.


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.