Bolivia military base explosions kill seven, 31 remain hospitalised

September 7, 2026 at 10:31 PM2 min

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Explosions at a Bolivian military base in Viacha have killed seven people, with seven soldiers still missing three days after the blasts. President Rodrigo Paz declared national mourning and urged unity as rescue teams continued searching for the missing. The explosions occurred Friday afternoon in a storage area for pyrotechnic material, and prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible manslaughter.

Key Facts

Seven people have been confirmed dead and seven remain missing after explosions at a military barracks in Viacha, about 30km southwest of La Paz.
Health Minister Marcela Flores said 84 people have been treated since the explosions, with 31 still in hospital.
The blasts occurred on Friday afternoon in an area of the facility used to store pyrotechnic material, including confiscated fireworks, grenades and TNT-based explosives.
President Rodrigo Paz announced a period of national mourning and said the explosions appeared to have been an accident linked to improper handling of stored explosives.
Prosecutors in Viacha have opened an investigation into possible manslaughter and other crimes, while authorities review storage protocols.

Casualties and Rescue Effort

Bolivian army Commander Hector Alarcon said on Monday that seven people remain unaccounted for after the explosions at the Viacha barracks. Alarcon stated that the priority remains finding the missing soldiers and providing answers to their families as soon as possible. Health Minister Marcela Flores reported that 84 people have been treated since the explosions, with 31 still hospitalised. Many of those initially reported missing were young conscripts aged 18 and 19 completing Bolivia's mandatory military service. At least two of those confirmed dead were also first-year conscripts.

Investigation and Official Response

The explosions happened on Friday afternoon in an area of the military facility used to store pyrotechnic material. Authorities had previously said the site was used to hold confiscated fireworks, grenades and TNT-based explosives. President Rodrigo Paz said the explosions appeared to have been an accident linked to the improper handling of explosives stored at the base. Prosecutors in Viacha have opened an investigation into possible manslaughter and other crimes, while investigators are also looking into how the explosives were stored. Paz announced a period of national mourning and urged Bolivians not to politicise the tragedy.

Damage and Community Impact

The explosions sent debris flying through the surrounding area, tearing roofs from buildings and uprooting trees, affecting dozens of homes. Footage posted on social media showed windows shattering and thick black smoke rising from the military facility. Residents living nearby were evacuated to a temporary shelter after the blasts. Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said on Saturday that it was not yet safe for some residents to return because the shockwave had damaged homes. Former President Evo Morales criticised Paz's government over its response, accusing it of mishandling the disaster and calling for the matter to be taken to the International Criminal Court.