06.09.2026 11:00
In Bolivia, 2 people died and 81 were injured in an explosion at a military barracks.
Two people were killed and 81 injured in two violent explosions at a military facility in Viacha, Bolivia. Search efforts were launched to find missing soldiers after the blasts, and an investigation was opened to determine the cause of the incident.
Two explosions occurred in succession at the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 “Bolívar” Mechanized Artillery Regiment in Viacha, in Bolivia's La Paz department. Following the blasts, a fire broke out in the area, and some nearby homes were also damaged by the force of the explosion.
SUSPICION OF PYROTECHNIC MATERIAL IN FIRST EXPLOSION
Bolivia's Defense Minister, Ernesto Justiniano, stated that according to preliminary findings, the first explosion may be linked to black powder from pyrotechnic material stored at the facility. He said that what caused the second, much more violent explosion has not yet been determined. Justiniano also rejected claims that the explosion originated from combat ammunition.
2 PEOPLE DIED, 81 INJURED
According to the toll announced by authorities, 2 people lost their lives and 81 were injured. It was reported that two of the injured are in serious condition. It was announced that those who lost their lives were military personnel.
SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR MISSING SOLDIERS
Following the explosion, search and rescue efforts were initiated to find missing soldiers under the rubble and in the surrounding area. Initial statements reported 7 people missing, while later local reports indicated the number of missing had risen to 14. Therefore, the results of efforts regarding the number of missing persons remain to be awaited.