In brief
An explosion at a Bolivian military barracks killed at least two people and left more than 58 wounded. The blast reportedly involved pyrotechnic material stored in the site. Police say fireworks were stored there and risk of subsequent detonation remains. Authorities have declared an emergency, setting a 150m safety perimeter, and three days of mourning in Viacha.
A blast at a military barracks in Viacha, about 30km from La Paz, on Friday killed at least two people and left more than 58 wounded, officials say.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said that pyrotechnic material detonated during the deployment of an artillery regiment, striking local time 18:30.
Health official Rita Nebraska reported between 10 and 15 deaths and stressed that further explosions could occur, urging civilians to stay at least 150m away from the base.
Police spokesman Roger Roca noted that fireworks had been stored at the barracks, and the cause of the blast remains under investigation.
Local authorities in Viacha declared three days of mourning following the tragic incident.
