LA PAZ: The death toll from two explosions at a military facility in Bolivia has risen to nine, with rescuers continuing to search through the damaged site for possible victims and dozens of injured people still receiving treatment in hospitals.
The explosions occurred Friday afternoon at the Bolívar Regiment in Viacha, a city located around 30 kilometres from the capital, La Paz. The area where the blasts occurred was reportedly being used to store pyrotechnic material.
The ninth victim was recovered from the site on Monday and taken to a morgue for identification, according to Reuters.
Dozens remain hospitalised
Bolivia’s Health Minister Marcela Flores said at least 84 people had been treated for injuries following the blasts, with 31 still hospitalised.
The explosions caused extensive damage around the military facility. AFP reported that a thick column of black smoke rose over Viacha following the blasts, while nearby homes suffered shattered windows, damaged roofs and other structural damage.
Debris was also scattered across the surrounding area, adding to the difficulties faced by emergency crews working at the scene.
Army Commander Hector Alarcón said the number of casualties could have been significantly higher because many military personnel were away from the base at the time, taking part in a recreational bicycle ride.
“Our priority remains finding our comrades who are still missing and providing answers to their families as soon as possible,” Alarcón said during the rescue operation.
Cause of blasts remains under investigation
Authorities have not yet established the exact cause of the explosions.
Officials believe the first blast may have involved black powder used in pyrotechnic material. The second explosion was described as considerably more powerful, although investigators have yet to determine precisely what caused it.
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President Rodrigo Paz said the incident appeared to have been an accident involving the improper handling of explosives. However, he stressed that the investigation was still underway and no final conclusion had been reached.
“Our Armed Forces are reviewing their protocols, and everything needed to provide greater safety, not only for enlisted personnel and officers, but also for nearby residents living close to military bases,” Paz said.
The president also announced a period of national mourning and urged political groups not to use the tragedy for political purposes.
Rescue operation faces additional risks
Emergency teams have continued working at the military site while facing additional dangers from unexploded material and damaged structures.
Rescuers are searching through the rubble for anyone who may still be missing, while investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the blasts.
Prosecutors have also launched a formal investigation into the incident. Authorities are expected to examine the storage and handling of pyrotechnic materials, military safety procedures and the events that led to the two explosions.
The tragedy has also raised concerns about the safety of communities located close to military installations, particularly where explosive or pyrotechnic materials are stored.
As rescue operations continue, families are awaiting information about missing personnel, while officials work to establish the precise sequence of events that turned a military storage area into the scene of one of Bolivia’s deadliest recent accidents.
