2 killed and 80 injured in serial explosions at Bolivian military base, 14 missing
Quick Look
- Two explosions occurred at the Bija military base in Bolivia on the afternoon of the 4th, killing 2 people and injuring more than 80 people.
- At least 14 soldiers are still missing.
- The force of the explosion ripped off roofs, blew away rocks and uprooted trees, affecting dozens of nearby homes.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Bolivia's Bija military base is located about 30 kilometers southwest of the capital La Paz, with a population of about 114,000. The base stores explosives and pyrotechnic materials.
(Central News Agency, Biaca, comprehensive foreign news report on the 5th) Two explosions occurred at a military base in Bolivia, killing two people and injuring more than 80 people. The base commander said today that at least 14 soldiers are still missing.
Agence France-Presse reported that the explosion occurred on the afternoon of the 4th at a military facility storing explosives in Bija. Biacha has a population of approximately 114,000 people and is located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of the capital La Paz.
Debris can still be seen scattered in nearby streets today, and windows of neighboring buildings were shattered.
Base commander Colonel Antonio Amaru said in a statement: "14 military personnel were in the area affected by two explosions at the Biacha military base and have not yet been found." Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The Ministry of National Defense said the missing include a sergeant and 13 conscripts, aged between 18 and 19 years old.
The two victims were both young men in their first year of compulsory service.
AFP reporters witnessed anxious family members clashing with police holding riot shields to prevent people from entering the base.
According to reports, the force of the explosion ripped off roofs, blew away rocks and uprooted trees, affecting dozens of nearby homes.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said in a report on the 4th that the first explosion involved "black powder, which is pyrotechnic material stored there." As for the second, more powerful explosion, the cause is still being analyzed.
A nearby resident who was injured on the face told the local media El Deber that the "impact force of the second explosion knocked me backwards 5 meters" and said that he lost consciousness for a time.
President Rodrigo Paz expressed "deep condolences and support" to the families of the victims, the injured and all residents affected by the explosion on the 4th.
He said a "thorough, technical and transparent" investigation had been ordered.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Department of Defense will complete a technical analysis of the cause of the explosion and make a public report
Likely · Within weeks
The search and rescue operation for the missing soldiers will continue until the person is found or the tragedy is confirmed
Very likely · Within days
Conflicts between families and police may prompt government to review security controls around bases
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What was the specific cause of the second explosion?
- Are the 14 missing soldiers still alive?
- Was anyone responsible for the explosion?
- Are there any loopholes in the security management of the base?
