NINE SOLDIERS DEAD AFTER EXPLOSIONS ROCK BOLIVIAN MILITARY BASE

The death toll from two explosions that tore through a military facility in Bolivia has risen to nine, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate personnel still missing after the devastating incident. The blasts occurred on Friday at a military base in Viacha, a city located about 30 kilometres southwest of the capital, La Paz. Authorities said the explosions caused extensive damage to the facility and nearby properties, while several people were also injured.

Bolivia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that rescuers recovered another body from the rubble, bringing the number of fatalities to nine. The victims reportedly included a sergeant and eight young men who were serving compulsory military service. Rescue operations have continued amid the dangerous conditions at the site, with teams carefully searching the destroyed sections of the military compound for additional victims.

The explosions happened at a facility where explosive and pyrotechnic materials were stored. Initial information indicated that the first blast involved black powder associated with pyrotechnic materials, before a second and much more powerful explosion followed. The force of the detonations damaged surrounding buildings, shattered windows and scattered debris across nearby streets, prompting emergency services to establish safety measures around the affected area.

The incident has prompted a wider investigation into the storage and handling of explosive materials at military installations. Authorities have yet to establish the definitive cause of the second explosion, while rescue personnel have had to work cautiously because other potentially dangerous materials remained at the site. The deaths have also raised concerns about the risks posed by military facilities storing explosives in populated areas.

President Rodrigo Paz declared a period of national mourning following the tragedy and called for unity as the country mourns the victims. Officials are expected to determine how the explosions occurred and whether any safety procedures were breached as part of the ongoing investigation.