At Least 10 Dead in Bolivia Military Barracks Explosion, Dozens Wounded
At least 10 people were killed and dozens more injured on Friday (September 4, 2026) after an explosion at a military barracks in the Bolivian municipality of Viacha, about 30 km (19 miles) from La Paz, local authorities said.
The blast occurred at around 2:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT) in an area used to store pyrotechnic material, according to authorities. While the cause has yet to be established, officials said the explosion originated from the defence ministry's fireworks stockpile.
Viacha health director Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died in the incident, while 62 people were injured. Fourteen of the wounded were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with third-degree burns, she said.
Police reported that more than 50 people were injured and dozens of homes were damaged, largely by windows shattered in the blast. Ambulances, medical teams and police were deployed to the military complex to assess the damage and evacuate the wounded to health centres.
Nebraska said firefighters had warned that a heat source remained at the site, raising the risk of another explosion, and urged residents to stay at least 150 meters away.
The incident has prompted an official investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the explosion. Bolivian authorities have not yet released a statement regarding potential safety lapses or disciplinary action. The affected area in Viacha is a residential and military zone, and local officials are coordinating with central government agencies to provide relief to the injured and assess the extent of property damage.
Similar incidents involving the storage of explosive materials at military installations have occurred in other countries, often raising questions about adherence to safety protocols. In this case, the immediate focus remains on treating the wounded and securing the area to prevent further casualties.
Residents in the vicinity have been advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from emergency responders. The situation is developing, and this report will be updated as more information becomes available.
