Deadly blast at Bolivia military base kills at least 10, injures over 60

A powerful explosion at a Bolivia military base killed at least 10 people and injured over 60, with nearby homes also damaged

PGurus Newsdesk

September 5, 2026

Bolivia military base blast: At least 10 killed and more than 60 injured after explosions hit a pyrotechnic storage area

The blasts originated in an area used to store pyrotechnic material

At least 10 people were killed and more than 60 injured after powerful explosions ripped through a military facility in Viacha, Bolivia, about 30 km from La Paz, on Friday.

The blasts struck an area used to store pyrotechnic material belonging to Bolivia’s Defence Ministry. Local authorities said the exact cause was yet to be established, while emergency teams rushed to the site.

Blast damages nearby homes

The explosion sent a powerful shockwave through the surrounding area, shattering windows and damaging homes near the military complex. Most of the injured were reportedly civilians.

Viacha health director Rita Nebraska put the estimated death toll between 10 and 15, with 62 people injured. Fourteen injured people were transferred to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl who suffered third-degree burns.

🇧🇴 DEVELOPING — Two dead, dozens hurt in explosions at a Bolivian army base near La Paz
Two consecutive explosions tore through the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 “Bolívar” mechanized artillery regiment in Viacha, about 35 km from La Paz, around 2:30 PM Friday.… pic.twitter.com/IpWskgv9HU
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) September 5, 2026

Authorities warn of possible second blast

Firefighters reportedly detected a remaining heat source at the site, raising concerns about another explosion. Residents were advised to stay at least 150 metres away from the facility while emergency crews secured the area.

Investigators are now working to establish what triggered the explosion and whether the storage and handling of the pyrotechnic material played a role.

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