Explosion at a pyrotechnics warehouse in Bolivia: 58 injured

At least 58 people were injured as a result of an explosion at the General Maintenance Center for Military Equipment of the Bolivar Artillery Regiment in the city of Viacha in Bolivia.

The explosion occurred during the day at a warehouse for pyrotechnic materials.

Rescue services continue to work in the affected area and search and check the area among the debris.

MEXICO CITY, September 5 - RIA Novosti. At least 58 people were injured as a result of an explosion at the General Maintenance Center for Military Equipment of the Bolívar Artillery Regiment in the city of Viacha in Bolivia, the country's Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano Urenda said.

“So far, 58 casualties have been confirmed: 52 civilians and six military personnel, who have been treated and reported to various Viachi medical centers,” Urenda wrote on his Facebook page*.

According to him, the explosion occurred during the day at a warehouse of pyrotechnic materials. Immediately after the incident, emergency response, evacuation and medical assistance mechanisms were activated.

Rescue services continue to work in the affected area, and are also searching and checking the area among the rubble.

“There are preliminary reports of possible deaths, but I want to be responsible: we will not report any death tolls until this information is fully confirmed,” the minister said.

Authorities ordered the damaged area to be secured and isolated, necessary supplies to be maintained on site to treat the injured, support for families and nearby residents, and a full assessment of the damage.

A technical investigation should establish the causes of the explosion, the conditions under which the materials were stored, and the possible responsibilities of those involved. Urenda noted that the priority at this stage remains providing assistance to the victims and continuing search operations.