Major Explosion at Military Base in Bolivia: More Than 10 Dead

Two huge explosions that occurred on Friday at a military base in western Bolivia alarmed the country.

Authorities announced that, according to initial findings, at least 10 people lost their lives and more than 50 people were injured, and it was reported that ammunition and explosive materials were scattered around the region after the explosions.

TWO EXPLOSIONS IN A SESSION

The explosions occurred in the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 "Bolivar" military base in the city of Viacha, located approximately 22 kilometers southwest of Bolivia's La Paz administrative center.

The Ministry of Defense announced that two separate explosions occurred at approximately 14.30 local time. Minister of Defense Ernesto Justiniano announced that the first explosion occurred when the black powder belonging to the pyrotechnic material stored in the facility exploded, and a second, much more powerful explosion occurred immediately after.

THE NUMBER OF DEAD AND WOUNDED INCREASED

Viacha Health Director Rita Nebraska said in a statement to a television channel that, according to initial information from military sources, 10 to 15 people may have died in the explosions.

Nebraska stated that a total of 62 injured people were brought to hospitals. 14 people in serious condition were transferred to specialized hospitals in La Paz due to serious trauma and burns. It was reported that there were 10 soldiers among those transferred and these soldiers were sent to the military hospital.

Defense Minister Justiniano, in his first statement after the explosions, reported that there were 2 dead, 81 injured and 7 missing. While Justiniano stated that the condition of two of the injured was critical, he stated that he would not make a new estimate on the number of deaths as debris removal efforts continued.

EXPLOSIONS AFFECTED A 1 KILOMETER AREA

Viacha Municipality announced that the two explosions affected the area within a radius of approximately 1 kilometer.

While many structures in the surrounding area were damaged due to violent explosions, it was reported that dangerous ammunition and explosive materials were released in public areas. While security measures have been increased in the region, work continues to remove debris and make the area safe.

3 DAYS OF MOURNING WAS DECLARED IN THE CITY

Following the explosions, the local government in Viacha declared 3 days of mourning to show solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives.

While an investigation has been launched into the incident that caused great sadness in the country, efforts are continuing to determine the exact cause of the explosions.

'WE WILL NOT RUSH WITH CONCLUSIONS'

In his statement following the explosions, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz expressed his condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives.

Paz ordered that the incident be investigated fully and transparently. Emphasizing that there should be no definitive assessment of those responsible yet, Paz stated that the government "will not speculate or rush to conclusions."

While debris removal efforts continue in the region after the explosions, the fate of the missing persons and the exact number of casualties are expected to become clear after the completion of the work.