An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, a municipality approximately 30 kilometers southwest of La Paz, killed at least 10 people and injured more than 60 on Friday afternoon, local authorities said.
The blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time at the RAM-2 "Bolívar" General Maintenance Center, in an area where pyrotechnic material was stored. Officials said the stockpile consisted of fireworks held by Bolivia's defense ministry.
Viacha health director Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died, while 62 people were reported injured. Police said more than 50 people were injured and that the explosion caused damage to dozens of homes in the surrounding area, with most damage resulting from windows shattered by the force of the blast.
Fourteen of the wounded were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl who suffered third-degree burns. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said 52 of the injured were civilians and the remainder were military personnel.
Police national subcommander Colonel Roger Roca said seven people remained missing as of Friday evening. He stated that the incident was under control and that two deaths had been physically confirmed, though he did not rule out additional fatalities.
Video footage shared on social media showed a column of thick black smoke rising from the barracks, which is located in the city center. Residents reported two separate explosions, with the first damaging part of the barracks entrance and the second, stronger blast affecting nearby homes.
Viacha Mayor Jenrry Patzi Mercado confirmed more than 50 injured and reported fatalities. Ambulances, medical teams, and police were deployed to the military complex to assess damage and evacuate the wounded to health centers.
Officials said they had yet to determine what triggered the explosion. Police spokesman Roger Roca said an investigation into the cause was underway. An initial statement from the defense ministry reported infrastructure damage but said no one had been injured; this was later updated as casualty figures emerged.
A widespread power outage followed the explosion in the city.