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Blasts Rock Bolivia Military Base, Killing Two, Injuring 81
(MENAFN) At least two people were killed, 81 injured and seven left missing after two powerful explosions tore through a military barracks Friday in western Bolivia, officials said.
The Defense Ministry said the double blast struck at roughly 2:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT) at the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 "Bolivar" military base in Viacha. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first explosion "involved black powder corresponding to the pyrotechnic material stored in the place," followed moments later by a second, significantly more powerful blast.
Of the 81 people injured, Justiniano confirmed two remain in critical condition. Asked about the possibility of further casualties, Justiniano said he is not going to speculate as debris removal continues.
The Autonomous Municipal Government of Viacha — located 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) southwest of the seat of government in La Paz — said the blasts impacted an area spanning a 1-kilometer radius, causing extensive property damage and scattering hazardous ordnance across public areas. Local authorities have declared three days of mourning in solidarity with affected families.
President Rodrigo Paz offered his "deepest solidarity" and directed authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation. Paz stressed that the government will not "speculate or rush to conclusions" regarding responsibility for the incident.
The Defense Ministry said the double blast struck at roughly 2:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT) at the General Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 "Bolivar" military base in Viacha. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first explosion "involved black powder corresponding to the pyrotechnic material stored in the place," followed moments later by a second, significantly more powerful blast.
Of the 81 people injured, Justiniano confirmed two remain in critical condition. Asked about the possibility of further casualties, Justiniano said he is not going to speculate as debris removal continues.
The Autonomous Municipal Government of Viacha — located 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) southwest of the seat of government in La Paz — said the blasts impacted an area spanning a 1-kilometer radius, causing extensive property damage and scattering hazardous ordnance across public areas. Local authorities have declared three days of mourning in solidarity with affected families.
President Rodrigo Paz offered his "deepest solidarity" and directed authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation. Paz stressed that the government will not "speculate or rush to conclusions" regarding responsibility for the incident.
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