Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Bolivia Military Base Explosion Kills Two, Leaves 14 Missing
An explosion happened at a military base in Bolivia.
It occurred in a place where fireworks and other pyrotechnic materials were stored.
The Defense Ministry said at least two people died.
It also said 14 people were missing.
More than 50 people were reported injured, although one local official gave a higher estimate of 62.
Some injured people were taken to hospitals in La Paz.
The blast broke windows and damaged homes nearby.
Firefighters warned people to stay away because another explosion might happen.
An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, killed at least two people, according to the defense minister.
The blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. in an area storing pyrotechnic material.
The Defense Ministry reported that 14 people were missing after the explosion.
Officials said more than 50 people were injured, while a local health director reported 62 injuries.
The blast damaged dozens of homes, and emergency teams evacuated wounded people amid warnings of another explosion.
- Who
- At least two people were killed, 14 were reported missing, and dozens were injured; Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano and Viacha health director Rita Nebraska provided updates.
- What
- An explosion occurred at a Bolivian military barracks and damaged nearby homes.
- When
- Friday, September 4, at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time, or 1830 GMT.
- Where
- A military complex in Viacha, Bolivia, about 30 kilometers from La Paz.
- Why
- The cause had not been established, but officials said the blast originated near the Defense Ministry’s pyrotechnic-material stockpile.
Official casualty account
Local preliminary estimate
Deaths and injuries
Official casualty account
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said at least two people were killed, while police reported more than 50 injured.
Local preliminary estimate
Viacha health director Rita Nebraska said between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died and that 62 people were injured.
Cause and immediate danger
Official casualty account
Officials said the explosion originated from the Defense Ministry’s fireworks stockpile, but the cause remained unestablished.
Local preliminary estimate
Nebraska said firefighters warned that a heat source remained at the site, creating a risk of another explosion, and urged residents to stay at least 150 meters away.
- Reported deaths
- At least two, according to Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano
- Missing people
- 14, according to the Defense Ministry
- Reported injuries
- More than 50 according to police; Viacha’s health director reported 62
- Time of explosion
- Approximately 2:30 p.m. local time, or 1830 GMT
- Location
- Military barracks in Viacha, about 30 kilometers from La Paz
- Suspected origin
- An area used to store pyrotechnic material
- Emergency response
- Ambulances, medical teams and police were deployed to evacuate and treat the wounded