Explosions in military buildings in Bolivia claim lives

In Bolivia, two explosions in a military building killed at least two people and injured 81 others, according to authorities. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said seven people were still missing after the explosions in the town of Viacha in the La Paz region. The exact causes and circumstances of the detonations are being investigated. The local health director, Rita Nebraska, had previously spoken on local television of up to 15 deaths and more than 60 injuries.

The explosions reportedly occurred in quick succession. The first detonation was apparently black powder stored on site, says Justiniano. Shortly afterwards, a second detonation “of a much larger magnitude” occurred. Which material exploded in this case is still being determined. According to the Defense Ministry, the explosions were not related to army weapons.

In footage from local media, black smoke could be seen above the building in the city center. Houses in the area were also damaged. Viacha is located about 30 kilometers southwest of Bolivia's administrative capital La Paz and has around 100,000 inhabitants.

According to Justiniano, two of the injured are seriously injured. They received medical care. Most of the injured are civilians. According to the ministry, the dead and missing are army members. Affected residents were taken to emergency shelters. Power supply in the area was interrupted.

Brazilian President Rodrigo Paz expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. He ordered a “thorough” and “transparent” investigation into the causes of the detonations.