Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Explosion at Bolivian Army Barracks Kills 10, Injures Dozens
An explosion happened at an army barracks in Viacha, Bolivia.
It occurred on Friday afternoon in a place where fireworks or other pyrotechnic materials were stored.
At least 10 people died.
More than 50 people were hurt, although officials gave different totals for the number injured.
Seven people were reported missing.
Some injured people were taken to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with severe burns.
The blast also broke windows and damaged homes nearby.
Police and rescue teams are investigating what caused it.
At least 10 people were killed in an explosion at an army barracks in Viacha, Bolivia.
The blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. Friday in an area used to store pyrotechnic material.
Authorities reported more than 50 injuries, with separate figures of 59 and 62 wounded.
Seven people were reported missing, and 14 injured people were transferred to hospitals in La Paz.
The cause remains under investigation, while nearby homes sustained damage including shattered windows.
- Who
- At least 10 people were killed, more than 50 were injured, and seven were reported missing; civilians and military personnel were among those affected.
- What
- An explosion struck a Bolivian army barracks and an area used to store pyrotechnic material.
- When
- Friday at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time, or 1830 GMT.
- Where
- A military complex in Viacha, about 30 kilometers southwest of La Paz, Bolivia.
- Why
- The cause has not been established and remains under investigation.
Accounts and higher estimates
Initial and lower official reports
Number injured
Accounts and higher estimates
Viacha health director Rita Nebraska reported 62 injured, while a minister's statement reported 59 wounded.
Initial and lower official reports
Police described the toll as more than 50 injured; the reports did not provide a lower exact figure.
Cause and blast source
Accounts and higher estimates
Authorities said the explosion occurred in, or originated from, the Defense Ministry's stockpile of fireworks or pyrotechnic material.
Initial and lower official reports
Police spokesman Roger Roca said what triggered the explosion remained under investigation, so the cause had not been established.
Initial damage assessment
Accounts and higher estimates
Later reports described dozens of nearby homes damaged, mainly by shattered windows, and extensive rescue operations.
Initial and lower official reports
The Defense Ministry initially reported infrastructure damage but said no one had been injured.
- Deaths
- At least 10; Viacha's health director said between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died.
- Injuries
- Reports ranged from more than 50 to 59 and 62 wounded.
- Civilian casualties
- Of the 59 wounded reported by the minister, 52 were civilians and the rest were military personnel.
- Missing
- Seven people were reported missing.
- Location
- An army barracks in Viacha, approximately 30 kilometers from La Paz.
- Time
- Around 2:30 p.m. local time on Friday.
- Response and damage
- Ambulances, medical teams, police, and rescue workers responded; nearby homes were damaged, largely by shattered windows.
