SAEDNEWS: At least two people were killed, 81 others were injured, and seven remain missing after two powerful explosions struck a military barracks in western Bolivia on Friday, according to officials.
According to Saednews, Two explosions occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT) at the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 “Bolivar” military base in Viacha, according to the Defense Ministry.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first explosion involved black powder used in pyrotechnic materials stored at the facility. A second and significantly more powerful blast followed shortly afterward, Anadolu Agency reported.
Authorities said 81 people were injured in the explosions. Justiniano confirmed that two of those injured remain in critical condition. He declined to speculate about the possibility of additional casualties while emergency teams continue clearing debris from the site.
The Autonomous Municipal Government of Viacha, located about 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) southwest of La Paz, said the explosions affected an area within a 1-kilometer radius. The blasts caused extensive property damage and left hazardous ordnance exposed in several public areas.
In response to the incident, municipal authorities declared three days of mourning in solidarity with the families affected by the explosions.
President Rodrigo Paz expressed his “deepest solidarity” with those affected and instructed authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation. He stressed that the government would not “speculate or rush to conclusions” regarding who may be responsible for the incident.
