Bolivia Barracks Explosion Kills at Least 2

At least 2 people were killed and dozens more injured in an explosion on Friday at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, approximately 30 km from the capital, La Paz.

The blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time in an area used to store pyrotechnic materials. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause, but officials said the explosion took place in a warehouse storing fireworks belonging to the ministry of defense.

Rita Nebraska, the head of health services in Viacha, said an estimated 10 to 15 people were believed to have died and 62 others were injured. Fourteen of the injured were transported to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with third-degree burns.

Police reported more than 50 injured and dozens of damaged homes. The shock wave shattered windows in many of them.

Rescue workers, medical personnel and police were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters also warned that a heat source remained on the premises and that there was a risk of another explosion. They therefore urged residents to stay at least 150 m away from the site of the explosion.

(Reuters, lud)