Bolivia Confirms Seven Dead After Military Base Explosion

An explosion happened at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, on Friday.

The blast occurred in an area where pyrotechnic materials were stored.

Authorities confirmed that seven people had died.

Army Commander Hector Alarcón also said seven people were still missing.

This means the reports did not clearly agree about the number of victims.

Health Minister Marcela Flores said 84 people received medical treatment.

Thirty-one patients were still in the hospital.

President Rodrigo Paz said the explosion may have been caused by mishandling explosives, but investigators were still examining what happened.

He declared national mourning and said the military would review its safety procedures.