Deadly explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia

On Friday, September 4, 2026, a massive explosion occurred at a military barracks in the municipality of Viacha, located approximately 30 kilometers from the capital city of La Paz, Bolivia. The blast took place at approximately 14:30 local time in an area designated for the storage of pyrotechnic materials. While the Ministry of Defense initially reported two deaths, local health director Rita Nebraska estimated the toll to be between 10 and 15 fatalities. Authorities confirmed that 62 people were injured, with 14 victims, including a child suffering from third-degree burns, transferred to hospitals in La Paz for urgent medical care.

The shockwave from the explosion caused significant damage to dozens of nearby homes, primarily shattering windows. According to the Ministry of Defense, 14 individuals remain missing. Firefighters and emergency teams were deployed to the site, though officials have warned that a heat source persists within the barracks, creating a high risk of subsequent explosions. Residents have been urged to maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from the site. An official investigation into the cause of the incident is pending, as emergency responders continue to clear the area and assess the full extent of the structural damage.