VIACHA, Bolivia — An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, about 30 kilometers from La Paz, killed at least two people and wounded 81 on Friday, authorities said.
The blasts occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time in an area storing pyrotechnic material. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano confirmed two fatalities and said seven people were missing, all soldiers at the base.
Justiniano said there were two successive detonations. The first blast involved "black powder corresponding to pyrotechnic material" stored at the site. A "second detonation of much greater magnitude" followed, with its specific cause still under investigation. The Defense Ministry said no military weapons had detonated.
Among the 81 wounded, two are in serious condition. Fourteen of the injured were transported to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with third-degree burns. The explosions damaged nearby residential areas, shattering windows and breaking ceilings in dozens of homes.
Firefighters warned of remaining heat at the site and cautioned residents to stay at least 150 meters away, citing risk of another explosion. Residents in the affected area were evacuated to a temporary shelter. Authorities cut power to the site and deployed dozens of police officers.
President Rodrigo Paz ordered a "thorough, technical and transparent" investigation to establish the causes, verify safety protocols and determine responsibilities.
Justiniano said the priority was caring for the wounded and supporting affected families. "At this time, our priority is people: caring for the injured, supporting their families, and continuing search and verification efforts," he said.
Viacha's municipal authorities declared three days of mourning.
