Blast at Bolivia military barracks kills at least two, injures 58

September 5, 2026 at 07:59 AM2 min

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An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, killed at least two people and injured 58 on Friday. Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said pyrotechnic material detonated at the artillery regiment barracks around 14:30 local time. Health official Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people may have died, while police reported dozens of homes damaged.

Key Facts

At least two people were killed and 58 injured in the explosion at the Viacha barracks, according to Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano.
Health official Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people are believed to have died in the incident.
The blast occurred around 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) on Friday at a barracks housing an artillery regiment.
Police spokesman Roger Roca told AFP that fireworks had been stored at the barracks and the cause of the blast remained under investigation.
Viacha authorities declared three days of mourning following the explosion.

The Explosion

The explosion happened at a barracks in Viacha, about 30km (19 miles) from La Paz, where an artillery regiment is stationed. Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said at least 58 people had been injured when pyrotechnic material detonated at the barracks around 14:30 (18:30 GMT) on Friday. Police spokesman Roger Roca told AFP news agency that fireworks had been stored at the barracks, and the cause of the blast remained under investigation.

Casualties and Damage

At least two people have been killed, but authorities fear the toll could be higher. Health official Rita Nebraska told local television between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died in the incident. Police said dozens of homes had been damaged, largely windows shattered in the blast, and emergency workers are searching the rubble. Nebraska said there was a risk of further explosion and urged people to stay at least 150m away from the military base.

Official Response

Viacha's authorities have declared three days of mourning. Emergency workers are searching the rubble for survivors.