Explosion at Bolivian military facility kills at least 10

An explosion at a military facility in the Bolivian city of Viacha has killed at least 10 people and injured more than 60 others, according to local authorities, with the death toll potentially rising further.

The blast occurred on Friday at a military complex in Viacha, about 30 kilometres from the capital, La Paz. The facility includes a centre used for maintaining military equipment, according to foreign media reports.

Authorities initially reported two deaths, 59 people injured and seven missing. Later, Viacha health director Rita Nebraska said between 10 and 15 people were believed to have been killed, while 62 people were injured.

The explosion occurred in an area used to store pyrotechnic materials belonging to Bolivia’s Defence Ministry, authorities said. The exact cause has not yet been established, and an investigation is underway.

Six military personnel were among those injured in the initial casualty count, according to local broadcaster Unitel. Rescue teams and firefighters continued searching the site for missing people.

The powerful blast also damaged nearby homes, with the shockwave shattering windows in surrounding buildings. Emergency services were deployed to the military complex to treat the injured and search the affected area.

Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the site because firefighters reported that a source of heat remained in the area, raising the possibility of further explosions.

By Tamilla Hasanova