Two dead, 80 injured in Bolivia military base blasts

• Explosions damage homes and force evacuations across Viacha.
• Bolivia launches an investigation into stored pyrotechnic materials and safety compliance.

Two explosions tore through a military base in the Bolivian municipality of Viacha on Friday afternoon, leaving two conscripts dead, more than 80 people injured, and 14 uniformed personnel missing.

The facility—located in a town of roughly 114,000 residents about 30 kilometers southwest of La Paz—houses explosive materials, including stored pyrotechnics.

Base commander Colonel Antonio Amaru confirmed that search-and-rescue teams are actively searching the debris for the missing personnel.

"Fourteen uniformed personnel who were in the area affected by the two explosions at the Viacha military base have not yet been located," Colonel Amaru stated.

The Ministry of Defense identified the deceased as two young men serving their first year of mandatory military service. The 14 missing personnel include one sergeant and 13 conscripts aged 18 and 19.

Shockwave devastates residential area 

The force of the dual explosions sent rocks flying, tore off roofs, uprooted trees, and shattered windows across nearby neighborhoods, leaving streets strewn with rubble. Black plumes of smoke rose over the city as firefighters worked to secure the area.

Military police established a tight security perimeter around the site to restrict access. Outside the cordon, distraught families—including indigenous Aymara residents—gathered seeking information regarding missing soldiers.

"We just want them to tell us if a certain soldier is here, and that’s all," said 65-year-old resident Irineo Mamani, who was waiting to verify if his son was among the missing.

One local resident interviewed by El Deber reported being thrown five meters backward by the second explosion, losing consciousness from the impact.

Government orders full investigation 

Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano confirmed that the initial explosion involved black powder associated with pyrotechnic materials held at the complex, while the cause of the second, larger detonation remains under technical evaluation.

"At this time, our priority is people: caring for the injured, supporting their families, and continuing search and verification efforts," Justiniano stated, noting that power was cut and residents were evacuated to temporary shelters because structural damage rendered homes unsafe.

Viacha Mayor Jenrry Patzi raised concerns over local medical infrastructure, noting that the city lacked sufficient hospital capacity to treat the influx of casualties, forcing transfers to facilities in El Alto and La Paz.

President Rodrigo Paz expressed deep solidarity with affected families and confirmed he has ordered a thorough, transparent investigation into safety protocols and potential criminal responsibilities.

Expreso mi más profunda solidaridad con las familias de las personas fallecidas, con quienes resultaron heridas y con todos los vecinos afectados por las explosiones registradas en instalaciones del Regimiento Bolívar, en el municipio de Viacha.
En momentos como este, la…

— Rodrigo Paz Pereira (@Rodrigo_PazP) September 5, 2026

Local prosecutors have opened an investigation into manslaughter and related charges, while municipal authorities declared three days of mourning.