- By Vaidika Thapa
- Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:36 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Massive explosion at Viacha military base killed 10 people.
- 58 injured, mostly civilians, from pyrotechnics blast.
- Widespread damage, secondary explosion risk, residents evacuated.
Bolivia Explosion: A massive explosion at a military base in the western Bolivian city of Viacha on Friday afternoon has left at least 10 people dead and more than 58 others injured. The powerful blast, which occurred around 2:30 pm local time in an area used to store pyrotechnic material sent a thick column of black smoke over the city and heavily damaged surrounding infrastructure.
WATCH: Explosion at pyrotechnics storage area of military base in Viacha, Bolivia, kills at least 2 and injures 70. pic.twitter.com/TNROAsOMuP
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) September 5, 2026
Several Injured After Powerful Blast
According to Bolivia's Defence Minister, Ernesto Justiniano, and local health director, Rita Nebraska, the casualties consist majorly of civilians, with 52 civilians and six military personnel currently accounted for among the wounded as emergency teams continue to secure the site While the official cause of the blast remains unestablished, officials confirmed it originated from the defense ministry's fireworks stockpile.
Nebraska stated that between 10 and 15 people are believed to have died and 62 were injured, with several wounded transferred to La Paz hospitals. According to her, fourteen of the wounded, including a young girl suffering from third-degree burns, were immediately transferred to hospitals in the nearby area.
Houses Damaged
The massive blast also caused widespread collateral damage, shattering windows and damaging dozens of nearby residential homes, which contributed to police reports of more than 50 total injuries. A large emergency contingent of ambulances, medical teams, and police personnel have been deployed to the military complex to secure the site, assess the structural damage, and safely evacuate the wounded to local health centres.
Nebraska also warned that firefighters have detected a remaining heat source at the site, which severely increases the risk of a secondary explosion. Consequently, authorities are urgently advising all local residents to stay at least 150 metres away from the perimeter.
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