Bolivia Barracks Blast
Deadly Military Base Explosions In Bolivia Kill At Least Ten People
Anonymous
Key Points
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The explosions occurred at the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 “Bolivar” military base in Viacha, rather than simply at an unspecified barracks.
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Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first blast was caused by black powder in stored pyrotechnic materials and was followed immediately by a second, much more powerful explosion.
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Fourteen critically injured people were transferred to specialized hospitals in La Paz, including 10 soldiers sent to a military hospital.
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Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz expressed his “deepest solidarity” with victims’ families and pledged a “thorough, technical and transparent investigation” into the incident.
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Viacha authorities declared three days of mourning after the blast.
At least two people died and dozens were injured in a pair of explosions at a Bolivian military barracks on Friday afternoon. The blasts struck the General Maintenance Center at the RAM-2 "Bolivar" base in Viacha, about 30 kilometers from La Paz, around 2:30 p.m., with Reuters reporting that local health officials warned the death toll could eventually reach 10 to 15.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first explosion was triggered by black powder stored in pyrotechnic materials, followed immediately by a far more powerful second blast. Rescue teams pulled 14 critically injured people—including 10 soldiers and a child with severe burns—and transferred them to hospitals in La Paz, CNN reported.
Cascading Blasts Destroy Military Facility
The first explosion ignited black powder stored at the facility, setting off a much larger second blast moments later. Vijesti reported that 62 to 81 people were injured in the twin explosions, with seven people still missing as of Friday evening. The blasts scattered ammunition and explosives across the area, prompting authorities to warn that additional explosions remained possible.
Fourteen Critically Hurt Rushed to La Paz Hospitals
Emergency responders evacuated the most severely wounded to specialized medical centers in the capital. Ten soldiers and at least four civilians—including a child suffering third-degree burns—were among those transferred for intensive care. 8am.media noted that the child's condition raised particular alarm among medical staff treating the blast victims.
Government Launches Investigation and Declares Mourning
President Rodrigo Paz expressed his "deepest solidarity" with victims' families and pledged a "thorough, technical and transparent investigation" into the blast. Viacha authorities declared three days of official mourning. Officials have not yet ruled out criminal sabotage or mechanical failure as possible causes, though the pyrotechnic materials storage remains the leading theory.
Nearby Homes Damaged; Ammunition Threat Lingers
The explosions damaged residential buildings near the military compound, forcing evacuations and heightening alarm among civilians. Authorities cordoned off the blast site as debris removal crews worked to clear ammunition and other ordnance scattered by the force of the second explosion. Officials warned residents to stay clear of the area until safety assessments were complete.
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