In brief
A pyrotechnic material detonated at a Viacha artillery regiment’s barracks on Friday, leaving at least two dead and 58 injured. Health officials estimate between 10 and 15 deaths, and police report widespread damage to surrounding homes. Fireworks stored at the base may have triggered the blast, and emergency workers are searching rubble amid fears of another explosion. Viacha has declared three days of mourning.
At least two people have been killed after an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia, but authorities fear the toll could be higher.
Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said at least 58 people had been injured when "pyrotechnic material" detonated at the barracks, where an artillery regiment is stationed, about 14:30 (18:30 GMT) on Friday.
Health official Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died in the incident in Viacha, about 30 km from La Paz.
Police said dozens of homes had been damaged—mostly shattered windows—and emergency workers are searching the rubble.
Nebraska warned that a further explosion could occur and urged people to stay at least 150 m away from the military base.
Police spokesman Roger Roca told AFP that fireworks had been stored at the barracks, and the cause of the blast remains under investigation.
Local authorities in Viacha have declared three days of mourning.
